Nanogen, Inc., developer
of molecular and rapid diagnostic products, has entered into an agreement with
A. Menarini Diagnostics S.r.l., a division of The Menarini Group, the leading
Italian pharmaceutical and diagnostics group, to commercialize CE marked IVD
infectious disease kits based on Nanogen's proprietary MGB technology.
The arrangement combines Nanogen's strength in real-time PCR IVD product
development with Menarini's significant market presence in the major EU
countries and their rapidly expanding reach into the developing Eastern European
markets. Under the terms of the agreement the kits will be manufactured by Nanogen
and branded as Menarini products. The first products are expected to be introduced
to the market in 2009 and will target infectious disease diagnostics.
“Molecular diagnostics is a high growth segment of the global IVD market
and real-time PCR has become a gold standard diagnostic technology,” said
Howard Birndorf, CEO of Nanogen. “We are pleased to have a partner like
Menarini that can help bring our innovative technology to the $1 billion European
market. We believe our strong technology and product capabilities together with
Menarini's local sales strength will open a new market and revenue stream for
Nanogen and will make a highly competitive offering in Europe.”