Qiagen N.V. (NSDQ:QGEN) and Abbott (NYSE:ABT) entered an agreement that boosts each company’s automated in vitro diagnostic product offerings in the U.S. and Canada.
The supply deal involves the exchange of components for the respective companies’ diagnostic products, designed to make their respective automation platforms and infectious disease testing products more competitive.
The agreement stipulates that Netherlands-based Qiagen receives kits in U.S. and Canadian markets for a PCR-based molecular assay for HIV-1 viral load testing that will be commercialized under Qiagen’s brand, according to the companies. They expect the test to be available by 2012 and add to Qiagen’s pipeline of U.S. regulatory submissions.
Under the terms of the deal, Abbott Park, Ill.-based Abbott will provide a quantitative Hepatitis C test that will be optimized and labeled for use on Qiagen’s QIAsymphony RGQ instrument and sold under the Abbott brand in U.S. and Canadian markets. The companies hope to have this test available by the end of 2012, depending on the course of its regulatory approval.
In addition, Qiagen will supply Abbott with products required for a PCR-based human papillomavirus test in the U.S. and Canada. The test will run on Abbott’s m2000 lab automation system.
The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.
