QIAGEN Acquires DxS To Enhance Its Position In Personalised Healthcare

QIAGEN has acquired DxS, a privately-held developer and manufacturer of companion diagnostic products headquartered in Manchester, UK. The transaction is valued at approximately $95m in cash, plus up to an additional $35m if specified commercial and other milestones are met. With this acquisition, the company is expected to enhance its position in the new era of personalised healthcare (PHC).

QIAGEN unveiled that the combined company is currently active in over 15 collaborations with pharmaceutical companies to market and / or develop companion diagnostic products.

As per the transaction, DxS’ senior management will join QIAGEN in leading roles in the company’s personalised healthcare focus area, to further expand its key segment. For that purpose, QIAGEN has planed to establish DxS’ headquarters in Manchester as a Center of Excellence in Pharma Partnering.

DxS adds seven PCR assays targeting biomarkers to QIAGEN portfolio including K-RAS and EGFR29, which may be useful in identifying patients’ response to certain cancer treatments. QIAGEN’s existing portfolio already includes pyrosequencing-based K-RAS, BRAF and methylation assays targeting biomarkers, besides, gene expression and miRNA assays for discovery of future biomarkers and instrument platforms to automate these tests, the company reported.

Peer Schatz, CEO of QIAGEN, said: “This transaction is a key element of our strategy to lead in molecular diagnostic-based prevention, profiling and personalised healthcare. These three elements are expected to significantly shape and contribute to future improvements in healthcare and have the potential to provide significant benefits to patients as well as exceptional value for payers, providers, and the pharmaceutical industry.”