GenMark Diagnostics Acquires License to HCV Genotyping Patent Estate

Business Wire
The Wall Street Journal

CARLSBAD, Calif., Nov 02, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — GenMark Diagnostics, Inc. /quotes/comstock/15*!gnmk/quotes/nls/gnmk (GNMK 4.34, -0.16, -3.56%) , a provider of automated, multiplex molecular diagnostic testing systems, announced today that it has acquired a non-exclusive license to Innogenetics’ Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genotyping patent estate for the United States. The agreement includes an option to extend the license on a global basis. The financial terms of the license transaction were not disclosed.

Infectious disease testing is currently one of the largest commercial opportunities in molecular diagnostics. Laboratories with molecular diagnostic capabilities routinely perform infectious disease tests for Hepatitis C (HCV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HCV genotyping is a guideline-supported test performed in combination with HCV screening and viral load testing, and today laboratories in the US currently have limited technology options to address their molecular testing needs in this area.