Quanterix has partnered with Stratec Biomedical to develop an automated analysis system for processing its single molecule arrays. Cambridge, Mass.-based Quanterix expects to launch a research use instrument in 2013, followed by the commercialization of an in vitro diagnostics platform a year later.
Under the terms of the agreement, Quanterix will receive access to Brinkfeld, Germany-based Stratec's technology, which will be customized to optimize and automate the advanced applications of Quanterix's platform. As part of the deal, Stratec will receive payments, as well as a minority stake of approximately 7 percent in the share capital of Quanterix, upon the achievement of technological milestones.
After completion of the development phase, Stratec will manufacture and supply the system and Quanterix has committed to order an agreed minimum volume of systems.
Martin Madaus, Quanterix's executive chairman, said in a statement that the deal will enable Quanterix to "bring our single molecule detection technology to the market in a format that will address the needs of both clinical labs, as well as individual research scientists."
Further details of the deal were not disclosed.
Quanterix announced a similar agreement last month with Sony DADC. Under the terms of that deal, Quanterix's single-molecule arrays will be manufactured on optical discs by Sony DADC. The Salzburg, Austria-based firm also manufactures CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs (BAN 7/26/2011).
A company spokesperson confirmed with BioArray News this week that the Sony-manufactured consumables will run on the Stratec-manufactured system.