BioMerieux teams up with FIND to tackle disease

BioMerieux is collaborating with a new diagnostics firm in the field of infectious disease diagnostics.

The vitro-diagnostics firm has signed up with Swiss non-profit organisation FIND to jointly undertake development projects in the field.

Over the course of four years, the two firms aim to "bring together" their experience and expertise to develop more rapid diagnostic tests.

The new coalition – that signed a memorandum of understanding – also plans to strengthen laboratory infrastructures for the public health sector in high-burden countries.

Welcoming the news, Stephane Bancel, chief executive of the firm, said: "BioMerieux has an historic commitment to improving public health and finding solutions for major global challenges like tuberculosis.

"We are very proud to partner with FIND in this important mission," he concluded.

BioMerieux claims to have been a world leader in its field for over 45 years, it is present in more than 150 countries through 387 subsidiaries. In 2007, its revenues reached 1,063 billion euros.