BIOTECON Diagnostics acquires LightCycler System Technology License from Roche Diagnostics

Mannheim, Potsdam, April, 2008 - BIOTECON Diagnostics, Potsdam and Roche Applied Science, a business unit of Roche Diagnostics have concluded a nonexclusive, worldwide licensing agreement for the development, production and marketing of PCR kits for the LightCycler instrument. The license includes rights for qualitative and quantitative detection and for the identification of harmful germs and genetic modifications in foodstuffs. The combination of Roche´s Light Cycler technology and BIOTECON´s verification procedures is especially attractive, because now it will be possible to provide tests which can detect very precisely traces of pathogens within one hour.

“The LightCycler System Technology License represents a significant milestone for our company” states Kornelia Berghof-Jäger, CEO of BIOTECON Diagnostics. It enables us to strengthen our position as an innovative leader in the field of food molecular diagnostics and, together with the food industry, provide even greater food safety."

“The licensing of the LightCycler instrument technology to BIOTECON will further boost the development of this technology, and broaden its application range especially in the fields of food and cosmetics”, states Manfred Baier, Head of Roche Applied Science, a business area of Roche Diagnostics.

BIOTECON Diagnostics manages the worldwide marketing itself and through cooperation partners. The product will be distributed in Germany by Roche and Merck KGaA has undertaken the marketing of the complete test line in all other countries worldwide. The fast and reliable BIOTECON tests are based on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): DNA traces are isolated from the food sample to be investigated with the LightCycler Instrument, which is able to simultaneously copy and detect them. This automation procedure results in considerably shorter analysis times, as well as simpler and more reliable tests which can be used by the food industry in various ways. The tests developed by BIOTECON Diagnostics implement the advantages of the Roche LightCycler instrument and are a safer and more cost efficient alternative to in-house development.

BIOTECON Diagnostics GmbH with it`s headquarter in Potsdam / Berlin (Germany) has been a competent partner for molecular biological and microbiological issues for more than ten years. The focus is the development, production and marketing of PCR-based rapid detection systems. BIOTECON Diagnostics offers solutions for the food and beverages industry as well as for pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturers.

Roche is a world leader amongst research-based companies in the health sector in the field of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics and has its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland. The innovative products and services from Roche cover the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and contribute to improved well-being and quality of life. Roche´s employees number around 64 000 and it sells its products in more than 170 countries. The diagnostics division has at its disposal a wide spectrum of innovative test products and services for doctors, patients, researchers, clinics and laboratories all over the world.

Contact:

Katrin Schwensow
Marketing
Phone +49 (0) 331 2300-245
Fax +49 (0) 331 2300-250
kschwensow@bc-diagnostics.com

BIOTECON Diagnostics
Hermannswerder 17
14473 Potsdam – Germany
Phone +49 (0) 331 2300-200
Fax +49 (0) 331 2300-299
E-mail bcd@bc-diagnostics.com
www.bc-diagnostics.com

BIOTECON Diagnostics GmbH with it`s headquarter in Potsdam / Berlin (Germany) has been a competent partner for molecular biological and microbiological issues for more than ten years. The focus is the development, production and marketing of PCR-based rapid detection systems. BIOTECON Diagnostics offers solutions for the food and beverages industry as well as for pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturers.

Roche is a world leader amongst research-based companies in the health sector in the field of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics and has its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland. The innovative products and services from Roche cover the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and contribute to improved well-being and quality of life. Roche´s employees number around 64 000 and it sells its products in more than 170 countries. The diagnostics division has at its disposal a wide spectrum of innovative test products and services for doctors, patients, researchers, clinics and laboratories all over the world.

This release was published on openPR.