Spanish biotechnology company Progenika Biopharma has granted Grifols exclusive world-wide distribution rights for its Bloodchip molecular biology products. Bloodchip products are used for genotyping of blood donors to assure the compatibility of blood for transfusion between donor and recipient.
Under the terms of agreement, Grifols takes a further step towards the consolidation of its diagnostic division, expanding its range of products with the immunohematology technology.
Progenika and Grifols said that the new product line is expected to generate revenues of between EUR50 and EUR100m over the next 5 years. Although the use of molecular biology tests in transfusion compatibility is still at its early stages, its use is expected to become more widespread as a result of the hemovigilance and transfusion safety plans being introduced in many countries.
Bloodchip is an integrated circuit that determines the main allelic variants of blood groups and platelet antigens by analyzing 128 genetic polymorphisms. The test is used to prevent potential transfusion reactions in those patients for whom conventional serological tests are insufficient.
The Bloodchip test holds a CE mark for marketing in Europe and has been developed by the Bloodgen Consortium, a European group consisting of blood banks, research institutes and Progenika Biopharma, whose mission is to improve patient safety and transfusion compatibility by blood group and genotype.
Victor Grifols, president and CEO of Grifols, said: “This agreement will allow us to strengthen our Diagnostic Division and consolidate our global position in the field of blood grouping with a new innovative tool that increases transfusion safety. This distribution agreement ensures that our products will be properly marketed, and allows us to focus on the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools that improve quality of life.”