VENLO,
ESE has pioneered the development and manufacturing of optical measurement systems for medical and industrial applications. The systems utilize unique, high-performance and award-winning fluorescence detection technologies integrated into compact modules. ESE's solutions are considered as an emerging standard for the detection of fluorescent signals in a wide range of molecular testing applications, most notably in nucleic acid-based point-of-need testing. In addition to portable solutions for point-of-need testing, these miniaturized, low-cost fluorescence detection modules can be integrated in laboratory instruments as well.
The systems' "ultra-fast time to result" and high portability open new
opportunities in healthcare and applied testing (e.g. veterinary, food,
environmental, biodefense testing), enabling low-throughput molecular testing
in practices, emergency rooms, remote field areas, and other settings where a
laboratory infrastructure is not accessible and fast turnaround is required.
ESE's fluorescence detection systems can be battery operated, process up to
eight samples at a time and even permit testing of samples for several
parameters in a single run (multiplex testing). As the proprietary technology
allows for the detection modules to be manufactured at very low cost, the
complete solutions can sell for less than
QIAGEN has demonstrated that ESE's fluorescence detection systems can be used to measure signals generated by the Company's existing testing technologies, including the HDA and tHDA isothermal assay systems, which QIAGEN has licensed from BioHelix in 2008 (http://www1.qiagen.com/about/pressreleases/PressReleaseView.aspx?PressReleas eID=199 ). These isothermal assay technologies are an integral part of QIAGEN's next generation screening platform QIAensemble. Therefore, assay development for the fluorescence detection systems can benefit from ongoing research activities for the QIAensemble platform.
QIAGEN has verified the ability of ESE's systems to run HDA-based assays for several pathogens including Salmonella and E.coli bacteria as well as Influenza viruses. Analysis can be performed directly on samples (i.e., from crude blood) or following an upfront sample preparation step integrated into the devices using QIAGEN's proven sample technologies. Depending on the target, such assays can generate results in between 5 and 15 minutes. This represents a key breakthrough allowing the platform to meet the most important requirement in point-of-need testing: ultra-fast time to result.
The transaction contributes to QIAGEN's strategy of expanding its
technology leadership and of driving the dissemination of molecular sample
and assay technologies into everyday life. It not only adds a novel detection
platform to QIAGEN's portfolio of assay technologies, but also creates
options for point-of-need test solutions in select markets. QIAGEN plans to
develop and offer such solutions for a broad range of molecular diagnostic
segments in
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Additionally, QIAGEN believes that there are several areas in applied testing which offer significant potential for point-of-need testing solutions. These include animal, food and environmental safety testing, where portability and the ability to be placed in diverse locations are key requirements perfectly addressed by the platform.
"We are excited about the addition of ESE's capabilities and technology
portfolio. We believe it will considerably strengthen QIAGEN's portfolio of
detection technologies and help us to better address the needs of our
existing customers in a range of application fields. In addition, due to the
unique features of ESE's technology, this transaction allows QIAGEN to
synergistically apply our sample and assay technologies to the exciting,
emerging point-of-need testing market segment," said
"The deal is a great fit for us," said
QIAGEN will establish ESE's development and manufacturing site in Stockach as a Center of Excellence in Detection Development and intends to retain and expand the employee base.
QIAGEN anticipates the one-time charges in connection with this
acquisition not to exceed
About QIAGEN:
QIAGEN N.V., a
About ESE:
ESE GmbH ESE GmbH is a high-tech enterprise focused on the developing and OEM manufacturing of innovative optical measurement devices for medical, environmental and industrial applications. The company is based in Stockach and employs a staff of 36. More information on http://www.ese-gmbh.de.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, including statements about our products, markets, strategy and operating results. Such statements are based on current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, those associated with: the technical performance of ESE's technology and the ability to integrate it with QIAGEN's existing products to produce ultra-fast point-of-need solutions, the anticipated market price of complete systems incorporating ESE's technology, the effect of the transaction on QIAGEN's revenues, EPS, net income and margins, management of growth and international operations (including currency fluctuations and logistics), variability of our operating results, commercial development of our markets (including applied testing, clinical and academic research, proteomics, women's health/HPV testing, molecular diagnostics, personalized healthcare and companion diagnostics), our relationships with customers, suppliers and strategic partners, competition, changes in technology, fluctuations in demand, regulatory requirements, identifying, developing and producing integrated products differentiated from our competitors' products, market acceptance of our products, and integration of acquired technologies and businesses. For further information, refer to our filings with the SEC, including our latest Form 20-F. Information in this release is as of the date of the release, and we undertake no duty to update this information unless required by law.
Contacts: Dr. Solveigh Mahler Director Investor Relations QIAGEN N.V. +49-2103-29-11710 e-mail: solveigh.maehler@qiagen.com Albert F. Fleury Investor Relations North America QIAGEN N.V. +1-301-944-7028 e-mail: albert.fleury@qiagen.com Dr. Thomas Theuringer Associate Director Public Relations QIAGEN GmbH +49-2103-29-11826 e-mail: thomas.theuringer@qiagen.com
SOURCE QIAGEN N.V.