BioMerieux announces takeover of Hyglos

BioMerieux has agreed a deal to purchase Hyglos, a German life science company specialising in the detection of endotoxins.

The newly-acquired business is recognised for its expertise in the development and production of recombinant proteins used for the detection of endotoxins in pharmaceutical products, and will help BioMerieux expand its range of offerings in this area.

BioMerieux will pay 24 million euros (18.86 million pounds) to take control of Hyglos, with the payment to be phased over the next three years.

Endotoxins are a component of the outer membrane of certain Gram-negative bacteria and can cause high fevers. Pharmacopoeial standards require that this type of substance be absent from products coming into contact with the bloodstream or the central nervous system, such as injectable drugs or medical devices.

Current techniques for detecting endotoxins depend upon reagents based on horseshoe crab blood, but Hyglos' approach promises to be more precise and reliable.

Nicolas Cartier, head of BioMerieux's industry unit, said: "Hyglos' expertise in the field of recombinant proteins opens new horizons for the detection of endotoxins. True to our pioneering spirit, we are convinced of the relevance of its innovative method."