Roche announced that it will acquire GenMark Diagnostics.
The deal is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2021. GenMark offers molecular diagnostic tests designed to detect multiple pathogens in a single sample from a patient. Thanks to the fast solutions offered by GenMark, clinicians can determine the cause of the infection and the most effective treatment, and the burden on health systems is relieved. The addition of GenMark's proprietary multiplex technology reinforces Roche's leadership in diagnostics by meeting a wide range of infectious disease testing needs, including respiratory and bloodstream infections.
The merger agreement was unanimously approved by the GenMark and Roche boards. After the acquisition is complete, GenMark will continue to operate at its current locations in Carlsbad, California, USA.
GenMark's syndromic panel testing portfolio will complement Roche's existing molecular diagnostics portfolio, and Roche will provide expanded access to GenMark's products with its global network. With its solutions, GenMark increases laboratory efficiency in the entire workflow from order to reporting, and enables patients to be diagnosed quickly and get better treatment results. Infectious diseases are among the leading factors that cause death worldwide. It has been proven that earlier detection of the causes of infections improves patient outcomes and positively affects processes such as antibiotic management and hospital stay.
"Acquisition of GenMark Diagnostics will expand our molecular diagnostics portfolio by helping us deliver life-saving information to patients and healthcare providers faster in the fight against infectious diseases," said Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. said. “Their proven expertise in syndromic panel testing enables faster targeted therapy, enabling better patient outcomes and reduced hospital stays, and contributes to Roche's commitment to helping control infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance. Detection of bloodstream infections and antimicrobial resistance genes is more important than ever for hospitals and patients. "
Scott Mendel, CEO of GenMark Diagnostics, said, “Being a part of Roche will reinforce our mission of rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases to improve patient outcomes. With Roche's diagnostic solutions, we will be able to offer customers around the world a complete portfolio of molecular diagnostic solutions, ”he said.“ We are excited to be part of Roche; We are confident that this merger is the right step for GenMark and our customers. ”
GenMark's Respiratory Pathogen Panels complement Roche's comprehensive portfolio of COVID-19 diagnostic solutions, identifying the most common viral and bacterial organisms associated with upper respiratory tract infection, including SARS-CoV-2.