Genomic analysis solutions provider OpGen has signed an agreement to leverage molecular diagnostics firm Qiagen’s EZ1 instruments in the test workflow of its Acuitas AMR Gene Panel u5.47 diagnostics.
The partners will use EZ1 Advanced XL automated nucleic acid purification instrumentation and kits to commercialise the antimicrobial resistant bacteria (AMR) diagnostics in the US.
Go deeper with GlobalData
AMR Gene Panel is a range of rapid diagnostics tests intended to detect and identify multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens in urine and bacterial isolates in around two hours.
The panel can be used with the Acuitas Lighthouse Software to predict antibiotic resistance and for high-resolution pathogen tracking.
EZ1 is a class I medical device offering full automation with sample preparation throughput of up to 14 samples per one-hour run.
OpGen CEO and chairman Evan Jones said: “We are pleased to collaborate with Qiagen to further strengthen our AMR Gene Panel offering.
“The EZ1 provides best in class nucleic acid purification technology, and Qiagen’s extensive global commercial capabilities and diagnostic expertise should provide multiple opportunities for collaboration in the future.”
As part of the agreement, OpGen will purchase EZ1 instruments and reagent kits, and provide them to US customers for use with its Acuitas AMR Gene Panel.
Qiagen Molecular Diagnostics business area senior vice-president Thierry Bernard said: “The partnership further expands the menu for EZ1 and adds a new and rapid diagnostic solution in the crucial fight against AMR.”
Last month, Qiagen introduced a next-generation, fully integrated molecular analysis panel in Europe to diagnose gastrointestinal (GI) syndromes. The panel is designed to detect 24 of the most common viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens that cause GI infections.
