Canon

The subsidiary of Canon USA shut down as of Dec. 31 and terminated a distribution agreement with Dutch PCR company Molecular Biology Systems.

Canon Medical Systems established the Japanese joint venture — called ACTmed — with Taiwanese molecular diagnostics firm ACT Genomics.

The exclusive deal includes sales and marketing of a rapid thermal cycler as well as consumable microplates and pipette tips. 

The deal covers Canon BioMedical's Novallele line of genotyping and copy number assays in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.

Sanbio, a Netherlands-based distributor that serves the Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, will distribute Canon's Novallele assays and controls.

The companies have been working together since early 2015 on a diagnostic for the early detection of Lyme disease.

The investment will fund the research and development of new diagnostic testing products, including rapid genetic testing.