Date: 2012-11-15
Type of information: Licensing agreement
Compound: Simoa (Single MOlecule Array) technology
Company: bioMérieux (France) Quanterix (USA)
Therapeutic area:
Type agreement: licensing
Action mechanism:
Disease: Simoa™ technology (named for single molecule array) is based upon the isolation of individual immunocomplexes on paramagnetic beads using standard ELISA reagents. This digital approach enables detection of a signal from single molecules of a labelled analyte, and is much more sensitive than conventional analog-based protein detection technologies. The main difference between Simoa and conventional immunoassays lies in the ability to trap single molecules in femtoliter-sized wells, allowing for a “digital” readout of each individual bead to determine if it is bound to the target analyte or not. The digital nature of the technique allows an average of 1000x sensitivity increase over conventional assays with CVs <10%.
Details: bioMérieux and Quanterix have entered into a strategic agreement that gives bioMérieux worldwide exclusive rights to Quanterix’s Simoa technology in clinical laboratories and for industrial applications. Under the agreement, Quanterix will deliver a new instrument and consumables based on its Simoa technology. bioMérieux will develop specialized tests for which high sensitivity and / or multiplex is required, with a particular focus on infectious diseases. The menu will include existing tests for which sensitivity needs to be improved and new biomarkers which are currently difficult or impossible to measure, opening up new applications. Leveraging the high sensitivity of Quanterix’s Simoa technology and the multiplex functionality, bioMérieux will create a unique offer of assays combining several clinically relevant tests, for improved patient care.
Financial terms: Quanterix has closed an $18.5 million Series C financing with participation from all existing investors, including ARCH Venture Partners, Bain Capital Ventures and Flagship Ventures, and joined by In-Q-Tel. bioMérieux has taken an initial $15 million equity stake in Quanterix.
Under the terms of the agreement Quanterix will receive upfront and milestone payments, as well as royalties on future sales. bioMérieux will take an additional equity stake, contingent upon milestone achievement. In connection with the equity stake, bioMérieux has the right to designate one director for election to the Quanterix board. No further financial details of the transaction were disclosed.
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