Roche has just announced that it will be acquiring GeneWEAVE Biosciences, Inc., a privately held company focused on innovative, clinical microbiology diagnostics solutions, for approximately $425 million, according to a press release issued by Roche.
The acquisition will enhance Roche's role in fighting drug-resistant bacteria.
GeneWEAVE's Smarticles technology provides Roche an innovative class of molecular diagnostics that can help it quickly identify bacteria that are resistant to drugs, according to the press release.
This technology also helps Roche assess antibiotic susceptibility directly from clinical samples
Roche won't need the traditional enrichment, culture or sample preparation processes to know the vulnerability of antibiotics, according to the press release.
Reuters adds that having a better testing system is the key to fighting against drug-resistant bacteria.
A better testing will give doctors the ability to make faster and accurate diagnosis and provide patients with the right drug to cure their particular infection.
Reuters adds that, right now, a lot of antibiotics use broad spectrum products, which can kill a lot of bugs.
However, since they target gut flora, these antibiotics are also responsible for breeding resistance. They are creating new environments for infection to strive in.
Roland Diggelmann, chief operating officer of Roche, said in the press release that GeneWEAVE further strengthens their microbiology diagnostics offerings.
"This technology has the potential to provide healthcare professionals access to quick and accurate diagnoses that can lead to rapid, informed treatment decisions," he said.
The first system that is being developed by GeneWEAVE is the vivoDx, a fully automated, random-access system that is designed to meet the needs of laboratories and addresses MDRO detection and antibiotic therapy guidance, according to the press release.
Roche will be paying GeneWEAVE's shareholders $190 million upfront and up to $235 million in contingent product related milestones, under the terms of the agreement.
GeneWEAVE will be part of the Roche Molecular Diagnostics upon closing of the deal, which is subject to customary closing conditions, according to the press release.
