NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – BioMérieux and Quanterix announced today a deal granting BioMérieux worldwide exclusive rights to Quanterix's Single Molecule Array (SiMoA) technology in clinical laboratories and for industrial applications.
BioMérieux also took an initial $15 million stake in the Lexington, Mass.-based diagnostics firm as part of an $18.5 million Series C financing round announced by Quanterix today.
The SiMoA technology is an immunoassay technology that uses a digital approach — as opposed to a traditional analog approach used for detecting proteins and biomarkers in samples — to detect a signal from single molecules of a labeled analyte. Quanterix will develop and deliver a new instrument and consumables based on the technology to BioMérieux, who then will develop multiplex assays on the platform.
The specialized tests are for applications that require ultra-sensitivity or multiplex capabilities, with an emphasis on infectious diseases, the firms said. They will include existing tests that need improved sensitivity as well as new biomarkers that are "currently difficult or impossible to measure."
The tests, the partners added, will result in the earlier detection of diseases, allowing clinicians to make treatment decisions more quickly.
Terms of the deal call for Quanterix to receive upfront and milestone payments from BioMérieux as well as royalty payments based on sales. BioMérieux will take an additional equity stake in Quanterix contingent on the achievement of certain milestones.
"This strategic alliance will provide us with the flexibility to leverage SiMoA technology and apply it in other commercial opportunities of interest, whether that be in biomedical research, bioterrorism, blood banking, or point-of-care diagnostics," Quanterix President and CEO Paul Chapman said in a statement.
As a result of its $15 million investment, BioMérieux can designate one director for election to Quanterix's board.
The $18.5 million Series C round included participation from all existing investors, Quanterix said, including Arch Venture Partners, Bain Capital Ventures, and Flagship Ventures, as well as In-Q-Tel.
Previously, Quanterix raised $15 million in a Series A round in 2008, and disclosed a $2.5 million raise in late 2010.