Shimadzu and bioMérieux Enter into Partnership for Mass Spectrometry Applications in Micriobiology

bioMérieux will work with Shimadzu and their subsidiary, Kratos Analytical, to adapt their linear MALDI-TOF* mass spectrometry technology for optimized integration into the microbiology laboratory workflow. This new solution is planned for commercialization by bioMérieux in 2010, together with the microbial database acquired from AnagnosTec.

Shimadzu has developed a broad range of technologies, encompassing analytical and measuring instruments, including liquid chromatographs, mass spectrometers, spectrophotometers and life science instruments, across many fields. The company has a long experience in mass spectrometry, including pioneering work in the development of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry technology.

As the world leader in microbiology, bioMérieux will bring its expertise in infectious diseases and extensive library of microorganisms. The company is constantly expanding its product offering to meet the diverse needs of microbiology labs and this new identification solution will be fully integrated with bioMérieux’s VITEK®, the world’s leading platform for identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST).

“We are very proud to announce our collaboration with bioMérieux, and we expect to make a significant contribution to the field of bacterial identification as a result,” said Osamu Ando, General Manager for Analytical & Measuring Instruments Division at Shimadzu Corporation. “Over the past few years, MALDI-TOF MS has become a key part of our product range, and is driving the expansion of our life science business. This collaboration with bioMérieux represents a new phase in the evolution of our business by expanding it from the research market into diagnostic testing.”

“We are very pleased to be partnering with Shimadzu, a leader in mass spectrometry and innovative technologies,” said Thierry Bernard, Corporate Vice President, Global Commercial Operations at bioMérieux. “By combining Shimadzu’s expertise and our unique understanding of the microbiology laboratory, bioMérieux will be the only company to provide a solution integrating mass spectrometry for bacterial ID with the market’s fastest AST on VITEK® 2. This complete offer, including the new Myla™ middleware, clearly demonstrates bioMérieux’s commitment to enhance productivity in the lab,” he added.

*About Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

In MALDI-TOF, the sample to be analyzed is mixed with another compound, called a matrix. The mixture is applied to a metal plate and irradiated with a laser. The matrix absorbs the laser light and vaporizes, along with the sample, in the process gaining an electrical charge (ionization).

Electric fields then guide the ions into the time of flight mass spectrometer which separates them according to ‘weight’ (mass) and displays the results as a series of lines (spectrum) which correspond to different fragments that have broken away from the original molecule. By analyzing the pattern of fragments it is possible to deduce the structure of the molecule.

The system proposed in this collaboration takes this further by comparing the sample spectrum to a database of spectra from a growing number of bacterial species to allow the system to accurately identify the species in question.

About Shimadzu

Founded in 1875, Shimadzu Corporation, a leader in the development of advanced technologies, has a distinguished history of innovation built on the foundation of contributing to society through science and technology. Shimadzu presently offers a multitude of products, encompassing analytical and measuring instruments, medical systems and equipment, aircraft equipment, and industrial equipment, across a wide range of fields, as well as meticulous, responsive service. They maintain a global network of sales, service, technical support and applications centers on six continents, and have established long-term relationships with a host of highly trained distributors located in over 100 countries.

Other information can be found at www.shimadzu.com.

Shimadzu Contacts

Public Relations Department

Shimadzu
Tetsuya Tanigaki
tanigaki@shimadzu.co.jp

MALDI Marketing Manager

Kratos Analytical Ltd
Andrew Eaton
Tel: +44 7769 250454
media@kratos.co.uk

bioMérieux Contacts

Investor Relations

bioMérieux
Isabelle Tongio
Tel: + 33 4 78 87 22 37
investor.relations@eu.biomerieux.com

Media Relations

bioMérieux
Koren Wolman-Tardy
Tel: + 33 4 78 87 20 08
media@eu.biomerieux.com

Fleishman-Hillard
Kimberly Mays
Tel: + 1 216-928-3459
kimberly.mays@fleishman.com

Image Sept
Tiphaine Hecketsweiler
Tel: + 33 1 53 70 74 59
thecketsweiler@image7.fr