The license is for tests related to the detection, monitoring and risk assessment of pre-eclampsia, a leading cause of maternal death. In addition, Beckman Coulter obtained rights to acquire the worldwide diagnostics assets of Nephromics.
Beckman Coulter has initiated the clinical trial phase of its test development program. The new tests, expected to be useful as an aid in helping physicians diagnose pre-eclampsia, are being developed for use on the company’s family of UniCel DxI and Access immunoassay systems, as well as UniCel DxCi chemistry-immunoassay work cells. The company plans to begin offering the tests by the end of 2009.
Mike Whelan, vice president of Beckman Coulter’s high sensitivity testing business group, said: “We expect that, once we complete our development program, these tests will help improve the outcomes of at-risk pregnancies.
“Our expectations for diagnostic testing related to maternal and fetal well-being leads us to believe that buying out our US royalty obligation will create substantial value for our shareholders.”