NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – BD Diagnostics and Bruker are updating a 2010 agreement to include international distribution of the co-labeled BD Bruker Maldi Biotyper system.
The deal covers an integrated microbiology solution that combines the BD Bruker Maldi Biotyper System with the BD Phoenix System and the BD EpiCenter Microbiology Data Management System. The Bruker Maldi Biotyper System is used for the molecular identification and taxonomical classification or dereplication of microorganisms, while the BD Phoenix is an automated microbiology system for automated identification and susceptibility testing.
The deal, announced over the weekend, builds on a 2010 agreement between the companies for the co-development and co-marketing of microbial identification technologies combing the Maldi Biotyper and the BD Phoenix System. According to BD Diagnostics, a segment of Becton Dickinson, the combination of its technologies with Bruker's system is anticipated to reduce the turnaround time required for diagnostic results, while at the same time improve laboratory efficiency and costs. Rather than taking hours, it added, identifying pathogens will now take minutes.
"BD believes mass spectrometry technologies are the future of microbial identification," Jamie Condie, vice president and general manager of BD Diagnostics - Diagnostic Systems, Infectious Disease, said in a statement. "Combining Bruker's expertise in this area with our advanced lab automation experience, the BD Bruker Maldi Biotyper System will enhance our customers' clinical decision making and laboratory workflow."
The Bruker Maldi Biotyper is not yet available in the US for in vitro diagnostic use, Bruker noted.
Financial and other terms of the deal were not disclosed.