Long-Term Strategic Partnership Between bioMérieux and the CEA to Develop Innovative Technologies for Infectious Disease Management

“I am very pleased to further strengthen our collaboration with the CEA. bioMérieux must continue to be at the forefront of innovation in the field of microbiology and this enhanced partnership, with one of the world’s premier research institutions, is fundamental in meeting this challenge,” said Alain Mérieux, President of bioMérieux.

“The development of new products for fast and personalized diagnostics is a strategic objective for bioMérieux. It's also a major scientific and technical challenge. A multidisciplinary approach, combining the excellence of bioMérieux in biosciences with the technology-innovation culture of the CEA, together with a close collaboration between our teams, will maximize the chances for success," said Jean Therme, CEA Director of Technological Research.

Over the next four years, about one hundred scientists from bioMérieux research centers in France and the CEA research centers in Grenoble and Saclay will work together on joint research projects. The partnership gives bioMérieux access to the CEA’s unique competencies in new imaging technologies, data processing, nanotechnologies and ultra-sensitive molecule detection methods. bioMérieux’s expertise in microbiology, systems development, manufacturing, regulatory affairs and customer service will allow broad access to the innovative solutions developed with the CEA.

The joint research projects will focus primarily on rapid bacterial detection and characterization using new spectroscopic or imaging methods.

bioMérieux and the CEA have collaborated for a decade, including the creation of joint research units in Saclay and in Grenoble (France), where bioMérieux built its Christophe Mérieux Center for Molecular Biology and Microsystems to be close to the CEA’s center there.

About the CEA

A major player in research, development and innovation, the CEA intervenes in three main fields: energy, information and health technologies, and Defence.

Through the diversity of its programmes, it carries on two major objectives: to become the leading European technological research organization, and to guarantee the continuation of the nuclear deterrent. Its advantages to achieve this: a crossed engineers/researchers culture, favouring synergies between fundamental research and technological innovation; exceptional installations (super-computer, research reactors, large physics instruments, power lasers, etc); finally, real involvement in the industrial and economic fabric.

Established in 9 centres spread throughout France, the CEA benefits from strong regional presence and solid partnerships with other research organizations, local institutions and universities. In order to encourage the transfer of knowledge, the CEA attaches particular importance to education and information to the public.

Recognised as an expert in its fields, the CEA is a full part of the European research area and has increasing presence at the international level.

Other information can be found at www.cea.fr