Plans to use innovative Bosch BioMEMS technology in PCR tests for multiresistant bacteria were announced today. The German engineering and technology company Bosch and German diagnostics solutions company R-Biopharm have joined forces and will be investing 150 million euros in the development of new PCR tests and in marketing.
The main focus of the partnership will be on Bosch’s universal, fully automated Vivalytic molecular diagnostic analysis platform. The two companies plan to invest a total of 150 million euros by the end of the decade, with the goal of achieving sales in the medium nine-figure range by 2030.
Stefan Hartung, chairman of the Bosch board of management, emphasized the company’s commitment to the medical technology market, which they see as a strategic growth field. “The fact that we can apply our many years of expertise and experience in the research and development of microchips, molecular diagnostics, and miniaturization, as well as our manufacturing know-how, makes this an attractive prospect for us,” he said.
The partnership with R-Biopharm, a leading company in clinical and food diagnostics with a strong global presence, will allow Bosch to tap into their knowledge of the market and established sales channels. Dr. Frank Apostel, Chief Operating Officer Clinical Diagnostics and Nutrition Care at R-Biopharm, sees the partnership as a major milestone in their growth strategy in the field of clinical diagnostics. “Together, we will work toward the goal of offering excellent products and solutions that can play a major part in combating diseases and developing medicines,” he said.
One of the main development goals of the partnership is to create a PCR test for multiresistant gram-negative (MRGN) bacteria, using Bosch’s innovative, novel BioMEMS technology. This technology allows for simultaneous testing of up to 250 genetic characteristics in a single test cartridge, in some cases in less than 15 minutes. This will be a significant tool in combating the increasing number of diseases caused by multiresistant bacteria and will also help to reduce the strain on the healthcare system.
The compact size of the Vivalytic Analyser, which is as small as a desktop computer tower, allows for fast and targeted diagnostics directly at the point of sample collection. This will eliminate the need for samples to be sent to a central laboratory, saving time and resources. Marc Meier, president of Bosch Healthcare Solutions, explained, “BioMEMS technology makes our Vivalytic platform even faster and more efficient.”
The two companies also plan to develop further PCR tests for the detection of tuberculosis and drug resistance. This follows Bosch’s recent partnership with Northern Irish medical technology company Randox Laboratories Ltd. By the end of the decade, Bosch and its partners will have invested a total of 300 million euros in the further development of the Vivalytic analysis platform.
Press photos and infographics are available on the Bosch Media Service website.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.