QIAGEN N.V. (NYSE: QGEN) announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz, a leading vaccines and diagnostics supplier to the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Initiated in 2009, the expanded collaboration allows Bio-Manguinhos to launch an advanced PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)-based molecular screening platform to detect malaria alongside HIV, hepatitis B and C virus, a capability previously unavailable in Brazil's blood donation program. The recent development will also support epidemiological surveillance of Brazil's ongoing dengue epidemic by composing dengue molecular kits based on unique collaborative chemistry.
Following the news, shares of QGEN declined 0.6% to $45.57 at yesterday's close. However, the company is accelerating the introduction of cutting-edge products and capabilities to the market through tailored OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) offerings and extensive support for companies in the life sciences research, biotechnology and diagnostics sectors. Hence, we expect the market sentiment to remain positive around this news.
More on QIAGEN's Expanded Collaboration
Brazil's national blood screening program was launched in 2010, the largest blood donation safety initiative in its history. The advanced Brazilian Nucleic Acid Test (NAT Plus) platform, which utilizes QIAGEN's PCR reagents, was recently rolled out as part of the program. The latest advancement improves transfusional safety by detecting malaria and closing the "diagnostic window" between the time of infection and laboratory diagnosis. Since 2009, QIAGEN and Bio-Manguinhos have been partnering to equip the national blood screening program with advanced ...
