Shimadzu and bioMerieux have entered into a partnership to commercialise a mass spectrometry system for bacterial identification in microbiology laboratories. bioMerieux will work with Shimadzu and its subsidiary, Kratos Analytical, to adapt linear Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry technology for optimised integration into the microbiology laboratory workflow.
Shimadzu and bioMerieux have said that the new solution is planned for commercialisation by bioMerieux in 2010, together with the microbial database acquired from AnagnosTec.
Shimadzu has developed a broad range of technologies, encompassing analytical and measuring instruments, including liquid chromatographs, mass spectrometers, spectrophotometers and life science instruments, across many fields.
bioMerieux is expected to bring its expertise in infectious diseases and extensive library of microorganisms. The company is expanding its product offering to meet the diverse needs of microbiology labs and the new identification solution will be fully integrated with bioMerieux’s VITEK, the platform for identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST).
Osamu Ando, general manager of analytical and measuring instruments division at Shimadzu Corporation, said: “We are very proud to announce our collaboration with bioMerieux, and we expect to make a significant contribution to the field of bacterial identification as a result.
“Over the past few years, MALDI-TOF MS has become a key part of our product range, and is driving the expansion of our life science business. This collaboration with bioMerieux represents a new phase in the evolution of our business by expanding it from the research market into diagnostic testing.”
Thierry Bernard, corporate vice president of global commercial operations at bioMerieux, said: “By combining Shimadzu’s expertise and our understanding of the microbiology laboratory, bioMerieux will be the only company to provide a solution integrating mass spectrometry for bacterial ID with the market’s fastest AST on VITEK. This complete offer, including the new Myla middleware, clearly demonstrates bioMerieux’s commitment to enhance productivity in the lab.”