Minister of Health Mike Nesbitt Visits Randox Laboratories to Discuss Research and Achievements
Minister of Health Mike Nesbitt Visits Randox Laboratories to Discuss Research and Achievements
Minister of Health Mike Nesbitt Visits Randox Laboratories to Discuss Research and Achievements
Wednesday 9th April 2025
Mike Nesbitt, the Minister of Health, visited Randox Laboratories today to explore the company’s groundbreaking current projects and celebrate its recent achievements in the diagnostic industry. As the UK’s largest blood-science diagnostic company, active in over 145 countries supplying to over 100,000 laboratories globally, Randox are committed to reduce burdens on healthcare, improve patient outcomes and advance medical decisions.
R&D investment has always been a strong commitment at the heart of Randox, with an investment of up to 25% of turnover into spearheading diagnostics, looking at current healthcare challenges, chronic illnesses and economic burdens. Randox’s focus is on the need for change from sickness to prevention, from hospitals to communities and from analogue to digital advancements.
Director of Business Development, Dr Mary Jo Kurth, commented:
“Randox are at the forefront of diagnostics, collaborating closely with clinicians to address the most pressing clinical challenges. Our portfolio includes many innovative products, all designed with a focus on early diagnosis. This approach not only improves patient outcomes but also significantly reduces healthcare costs.”
The visit highlights Randox’s continued commitment to pioneering cutting-edge technologies and its significant contributions to healthcare both locally and globally.
Minister Nesbitt commented:
“I would like to thank Randox for the opportunity to see first-hand the work it is undertaking. It is evident that Randox has a dedicated workforce and I am very pleased to learn more about their recent projects and achievements.”
Randox Renews its Sponsorship of the Grand National for a Further Three Years
Randox Renews its Sponsorship of the Grand National for a Further Three Years
Friday 4th April 2025
The Jockey Club is delighted to announce today, Ladies Day of the Randox Grand National Festival, that Randox has renewed its sponsorship of the Grand National for a further three years – taking its backing of world’s greatest chase up to and including the 2029 renewal
Randox, which was founded in 1982 and specialises in the provision of timely and accurate diagnostic testing and promotion of preventative healthcare, first extended its support to the world’s greatest chase in 2017 when One For Arthur was successful.
The sponsorship extension announced today means that Northern Ireland-based Randox has put its name to the Grand National for a total of 12 years – equaling the record length as a title sponsor held by Martell, who backed the great race from 1992 to 2004.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, founder and Managing Director of Randox, said:
“Extending our sponsorship of the Randox Grand National to 2029 reflects our commitment to the promotion of preventative health and well-being across the nation.
Our goal is to enable people to live better for longer and, in doing so, to achieve much wider social benefit. Our comprehensive testing programmes, are now available in 30 clinics across the UK and Ireland, extending to 58 clinics by the end of 2025 and 143 clinics by late 2026 – providing easy access to advanced and cost-effective testing programmes to support prevention and better long-term health. In doing so we are fully aligned with the Government’s and the NHS’s drive to achieve a healthier, more productive society.
I am delighted to be extending our relationship with Aintree, The Jockey Club and the City of Liverpool – this a truly iconic national event, in a great city.
I congratulate Aintree and The Jockey Club in their stewardship of the People’s Race and if our continuing sponsorship helps shift the dial toward a healthier and more prosperous nation, our time and resources will have been well spent.
Dickon White, The Jockey Club's North West Regional Director, added:
“I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Randox for its generous and continued support of the Grand National. We love working with Peter and all the team at Randox, whose passion not only for the Grand National but the whole festival and all the work we do in the community mirrors our own.
While Randox has become synonymous with the People’s Race as its sponsor, what few people will appreciate is just how invested in and passionate they are about these three days and horseracing more broadly. We could not wish for a more loyal partner, whose ongoing commitment extends way beyond the Randox Grand National Festival itself and includes so many events leading up to it.
Their time as Grand National sponsor has already seen some truly memorable renewals of the world’s greatest steeplechase, including Rachael Blackmore becoming the first female jockey to win the race aboard Minella Times in 2021 and the back-to-back victories of Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019. We look forward to many more memorable moments in the future.”
Be Race Ready: Feel your best with Randox Health
Be Race Ready: Feel your best with Randox Health
Race day at the Randox Grand National isn’t just about the horses—it’s about the excitement, the energy, and the unforgettable experience of spending a day out with friends and family.
With just 3 weeks to go to one of the most iconic events in the sporting calendar, why not take a moment to ensure that you’re “race ready” and feeling your best? Randox Health’s comprehensive health checks are designed to help you stay energized, balanced, and ready to make the most of every moment of race day.
The Randox Grand National: A Day of Fun, Energy, and Excitement
The Randox Grand National is a day filled with excitement, cheers, and celebrations. Whether you’re attending Aintree or watching from home, the energy is infectious. But to truly make the most of the experience, it’s essential to feel your best. Just as the horses are carefully prepared for the race ahead, you too can set yourself up for success by taking control of your health.
Health Checks: The Ultimate Pre-Race Routine
At Randox Health, we believe that everyone deserves to feel their best. Our comprehensive health checks are designed to give you a complete picture of your well-being, so you can stay ahead of the game. Here’s what you can expect:
- Early Detection & Prevention:
Get ahead of potential health issues with advanced diagnostic screenings that catch problems before they become setbacks. - Personalised Insights:
Receive a personalized report on key health indicators—think of it as your personal performance analysis that guides your fitness and lifestyle choices. - Enhanced Performance & Recovery:
Understand how your body responds to stress, nutrition, and exercise. Whether you’re training for a race or just want to boost your everyday energy, knowing your body can help you fine-tune your routine.
How It Works: Simple, Efficient, and Effective
Our process is designed to be quick, efficient, and accessible—even with a busy schedule:
CHOOSE WELLNESS. Visit a Randox Health clinic or order a home test kit – it’s that simple
DON’T MISS A THING. Monitor thousands of health risks before symptoms show, giving you a clear snapshot of your health.
ADVICE THAT MATTERS. Get clear results, expert insights and guidance that makes a difference.
TAKE CONTROL. Make small lifestyle changes that can have a big impact
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS. Retest when you’re ready, see real improvements.
Get Race Day Ready with Randox Health
Race day is one of the most exciting days of the year, and we want you to feel your absolute best while enjoying every minute of it. Book your Randox Health check and get the insights you need to feel your best, recover after the excitement, and enjoy a day that’s full of fun, friends, and unforgettable moments.
To discover more visit: Randox Health | Health Checks & Blood Tests | Home Test Kits Available or get in touch- marketing@randox.com
Randox and Cormay Diagnostics Partner to Provide World-Leading EQA Programmes
Cormay Diagnostics and Randox Partner
Providing World-Leading Quality Assessment Programmes to Laboratories Worldwide
Cormay Diagnostics, a leader in diagnostic solutions, and Randox International Quality Assessment Scheme (RIQAS), a market leader in external quality assessment, have announced a strategic partnership to deliver world-class External Quality Assessment (EQA) programmes to laboratories across the globe.
The collaboration brings together the extensive expertise and experience of both companies to offer laboratories a comprehensive range of high-quality EQA schemes designed to enhance the quality and accuracy of laboratory testing worldwide. The partnership will allow Cormay Diagnostics to distribute and promote the RIQAS portfolio.
Supporting the shared mission of both Cormay Diagnostics and Randox to equip clinical laboratories of all sizes and budgets with cutting-edge technology and high-performance solutions. Helping all laboratories to meet regulatory requirements while boosting confidence in the accuracy of patient test results.
Cormay Diagnostics has over four decades of experience in manufacturing high-quality diagnostic reagents and providing laboratory solutions. The
company’s mission is to empower laboratories with the tools they need to ensure accurate, efficient, and reliable testing for healthcare professionals and patients worldwide.
Learn more: cormaydiagnostics.com
Founded in 1989, RIQAS is the worlds largest international External Quality Assessment Scheme with more than 76,000 laboratory participants spanning over 139 countries. With a product portfolio spanning 38 programmes, RIQAS offers participants a comprehensive yet cost effective solution to meeting regulatory requirements and increased confidence in test system accuracy.
Learn more: randox.com/riqas-external-quality-assessment
The Randox Grand National 2025 Trophy
The Randox Grand National 2025 Trophy
Randox is delighted to present the winner’s trophy for the Randox Grand National 2025. Expertly crafted by renowned Liverpudlian jewellery brand Boodles, this year’s trophy embodies the deep connection between Randox and the world’s most prestigious steeplechase, held annually at Aintree Racecourse. Inspired by Randox’s pioneering Biochip technology, the trophy’s striking design symbolises innovation, scientific advancement, and human endeavour. Subtle details within the craftsmanship also pay tribute to Aintree, seamlessly weaving elements of the iconic racecourse into its design.
Crafted with Purpose
The 2025 Randox Grand National Trophy is a masterpiece of design, seamlessly blending scientific innovation with the rich heritage of the world’s greatest steeplechase. The trophy prominently features a molecular structure and a DNA helix, represented by sixteen spheres and bars, mirroring the sixteen jumps of the Grand National course.
Encircling this intricate design is a stylised horseshoe, honouring the exceptional horses at the heart of this historic event and reflecting Randox’s deep-rooted passion for the sport. The trophy’s base, crafted from green malachite, is crowned with a Biochip-inspired design, inlaid with diamond discs. This element not only pays homage to Randox’s groundbreaking diagnostic technology but also evokes the tradition of incorporating precious gemstones into Grand National trophies throughout history.
Randox Founder and Managing Director, Dr. Peter FitzGerald, a passionate horseman himself, shared his thoughts on this year’s trophy:
“This year’s Randox Grand National Trophy, crafted by Boodles, is a stunning fusion of tradition and innovation. Its design, inspired by both Randox’s advancements in preventative healthcare and the rich legacy of the Grand National, is a fitting tribute to this world-renowned race. We are proud to collaborate with Boodles to celebrate excellence, heritage, and our shared commitment to pushing boundaries.”
Speaking on behalf of The Jockey Club, Dickon White, Regional Director for the West and Aintree Racecourse, stated:
“The Randox Grand National Trophy is a symbol of prestige, achievement, and history, and this year’s design by Boodles beautifully reflects these qualities. Their deep-rooted connection to both artistry and equestrian heritage makes them the perfect partner to create such an iconic piece. The trophy seamlessly blends Randox’s pioneering spirit with the enduring legacy of the Randox Grand National, resulting in a design that is both contemporary and timeless.”
A Return to Legacy
In recent years, Randox has designed the Grand National trophies in-house. However, for 2025, the honour has been entrusted once again to Boodles, a prestigious jeweller with a rich history of crafting Grand National trophies. This collaboration is driven by a shared passion for horse racing between Randox, Boodles, and The Jockey Club. Reflecting on this return to tradition, Michael Wainwright, Chairman of Boodles, shared his thoughts:
“Boodles is delighted to be partnering with Randox to design the 2025 Randox Grand National trophy. This collaboration is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate both the rich heritage of the Grand National and our longstanding connection to Aintree, with our company’s roots tracing back to 1798 in Liverpool, just a stone’s throw from the racecourse. We are honoured to play a part in commemorating this world-famous event with Randox.”
The Randox Grand National takes place 3rd – 5th April, 2025 at Aintree Racecourse.
Learn more here about the 3-day event here: The Grand National 2025 | 3-5 April 2025 | Aintree Racecourse
Acusera 24Ā·7 and Data Innovations – Automated QC Data Upload
Automated QC Data Upload to Acusera 24·7
Now Available via Instrument Manager™ from Data Innovations
Randox Laboratories in conjunction with Data Innovations are pleased to announce the launch of a new driver that enables seamless, automated QC data upload via API from any instrument connected to Instrument Manager (IM) directly into Acusera 24.7. This new feature eliminates the need for manual data entry, reduces transcription errors and improves laboratory efficiency.
What you need to know
Uni-Directional License – Anyone wishing to avail of automated QC data upload to Acusera 24.7 will need a uni-directional license for Instrument Manager. A new license can be requested directly from a Data Innovations representative, or an existing license previously used for an analyser may be re-purposed.
Driver Download – Once a license has been secured, you will be required to download the Acusera 24.7 Driver from the MY DI Community website – https://datainnovations.my.site.com/s/drivers. To locate the driver simply select Randox from the Manufacturer drop down menu and then select Acusera 24.7 from the list of available drivers.
Configuration – Once the driver has been downloaded, you will receive help files that document the process to be followed. The same steps are to be followed as with connecting any instrument or analyser to Instrument Manager.
Once the driver has been successfully set up, Instrument Manager will automatically send QC data to Acusera 24.7, removing the need for manual data entry.
Key Considerations
- You must have have an Acusera 24.7 license and configured your Acusera 24.7 account before connecting to Instrument manager.
This new capability allows laboratories to optimise workflows, reduce errors, and streamline QC data management.
About Data Innovations
Data Innovations is a global software company that is passionate about excellence in patient care. Through innovative solutions and world-class service, they enable enterprise management of hospitals and independent laboratories. Founded in 1989 with headquarters in Vermont, Data Innovations serves more than 6,000 hospitals and laboratories in 80+ countries.
What is Instrument Manager?
Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) by Data Innovations LLC
Instrument Manager™ (IM) is a truly vendor-neutral middleware platform that allows for the connection of any clinical lab instrument to any Lab Information System (LIS), with a library of over 1,000 instrument drivers. IM offers a suite of lab enablement solutions spanning productivity, quality, analytics, performance and reliability.
Labs using IM auto verification with time-saving workflows are able to achieve quicker turnaround times and increased productivity. IM quality assurance programs ensure that all connected instruments deliver the most accurate possible test results.
Randox named as Company of the year
Randox tops the charts in Belfast Telegraph Top 100 Companies
Randox is the largest blood-sciences healthcare diagnostics company from the UK and Ireland. Established in 1982 by managing director Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox manufactures more than four billion tests per year and has a global sales and distribution network supplying product to 145 countries. Randox estimates more than 400 million people, around 5% of the worldās population, receive a diagnosis involving Randox products each year. Key facilities are located at multiple sites within Northern Ireland, in Co Donegal, in West Virginia in the United States and in Bengaluru, India.
As a privately-owned company Randox invests heavily in research and development, committing up to 25% of turnover for the development of new diagnostic products. Recent testing developments include: Type 1 Diabetes Genetic Risk Score; an advanced PSA test to improve the predictive potential of PSA alone for prostate cancer; predictive bladder cancer testing panels; risk assessment for post operative acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease; and wide-ranging quality control and external quality assurance capabilities to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results.
Randoxās innovative approach to R&D has allowed the development of allied capabilities outside the immediate world of human healthcare, including leading testing capabilities in the veterinary field, for toxicology and for the detection of harmful drug residues and pathogens in food.
Research and development programmes are not limited to the development of tests, but also includes the advanced analyser systems to process samples efficiently. This requires integral, advanced capabilities in electrical and mechanical engineering, optics, robotics and software engineering.
Over Ā£350m of investment has supported the development of a unique testing system to allow multiple tests to be run simultaneously on a single sample ā the Randox Biochip. This 9mm x 9mm platform, which allows up to 49 tests to be run simultaneously, greatly increases the diagnostic power available to clinicians to enable earlier, more accurate diagnosis and improved patient outcomes. Initially focused on proteomics, Randox has also greatly increased its genetic testing capabilities to increase predictive capabilities.
In order to support the model of diagnostically-led healthcare, Randox has developed the Randox Health brand, to provide public access to comprehensive testing. The aim is to empower the consumer and to enable a preventative approach to healthcare ā rather than rely upon the treatment of illness. Well over 20 clinics are now available across the UK and Ireland, including in partnership within John Lewis stores.
At the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic Randox was ideally placed to support the UKās requirement for a national Covid-19 testing programme. By mid-February 2020 Randox were amongst the global frontrunners in developing a Covid-19 test and had developed home sample collection and reporting capabilities. The company was engaged by Government from mid-March 2020 to support the UKās national testing programme ā at that time the complete NHS testing capability for Covid-19 was reported as 2,400 tests per day.
Rising to meet this unprecedented national demand markedly increased company turnover and profits. A post-pandemic assessment by consultants OCO Global concluded that Randoxās activities during the pandemic averted over 3,100 deaths, prevented 14,100 hospitalizations and enabled a Ā£8.3bn contribution to the UKās GDP.
Exiting from the pandemic and reverting to sector norms with a strong balance sheet, Randox is investing heavily in upgrading the companyās infrastructure and R&D programmes. Randox is also investing significant resources in expanding the business-to-consumer diagnostic offer under the Randox Health brand ā with clinics in the UK and Ireland, and US.
Noting the pressures upon all healthcare systems, and a need to transition from āillness managementā to more sustainable āpreventionā models, Randox is investing heavily for the future. Its aim is to ensure it is well positioned to support and enable healthcare transformation through improved diagnostics, to both increase system efficiencies and improve patient outcomes.
Joe Kennedy III, US special envoy for economic affairs visited Randox Science Park in Antrim last week to listen for presentations on Randox Laboratories MultiSTAT and RABTA analysers. He wrote in a foreword to the Belfast Telegraph article, āI congratulate everyone who has contributed to the success of Northern Irelandās Top 100 Companies. “From globally-recognised brands to indigenous firms, each company reflects the wide diversity of employers who generate prosperity and opportunity right across Northern Ireland.ā
Randox managing director Dr. Peter FitzGerald said it welcomed the accolade of being named number one company.
āThese results reflect the skills, commitment and agility of our people, and the capability of our unique technologies.
“As a team we were also able to call upon 40 years of diagnostic experience to meet the exceptional demands of Covid-19, while simultaneously supporting our established global customer base of healthcare laboratories. Crucial to this was our long term commitment to research and development which has always been a cornerstone of our business philosophy.
āRandox is committed to enhancing healthcare through more sensitive and accurate diagnostics to enable the prevention of disease and improve healthcare outcomes, whilst reducing the burden on healthcare services.
“Our profits will continue to be directed towards enabling our infrastructure and research and development, as well as accelerating better healthcare models and improving direct public access through our Randox Health clinics. Our ambition is to enable better health outcomes for all and we are committed to that goal.ā
PCR rapid tests for Candida auris for Vivalytic by Bosch now available
World’s first fully automated PCR test for detection of the multidrug-resistant fungus at the point of care.Ā
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Vivalytic test detects Candida auris in under an hour at the point of care, making it the world’s first test suitable for screenings.
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Candida aurisĀ infection rates are on the rise in Germany and can cause severe infections, for example in the bloodstream (sepsis).
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Hospitals can use the new screening test to detect colonization, allowing them to implement measures to contain outbreaks.
Bosch Healthcare solutions has developed a PCR test for detecting Candida auris (C. auris)Ā and on the Vivalytic platform. The test is a global innovation now available for order from distribution partners including Randox Laboratories Ltd. and R-Biopharm. This test enables the fully automated detection of the frequently multi-resistant fungus in less than an hour at the point of care. The rapid testing capability also makes it suitable for carrying out screenings when necessary. In contrast, traditional culture tests in centralized laboratories require one to three days, delaying diagnosis and the initiation of targeted treatment. āConsidering the heightened risk of severe progression in individuals with pre-existing conditions, we have developed a new test that enables clinics to respond more swiftly,ā states Marc Meier, managing director of Bosch Healthcare Solutions. Patients with compromised immune systems, such as those in intensive care, individuals with serious underlying conditions such as diabetes, or those who are immunosuppressed due to cancer or HIV, as well as patients about to undergo invasive surgery, face a heightened risk of active infection with C. auris. The mortality rate for C. auris infections ranges from 30 to 72 percent.
āCandida aurisĀ can be transmitted from person to person through contact and contaminated surfaces. When this fungus presents, rapid detection is therefore rapid detection is therefore paramount to enable implementation of effective control and prevention strategies,” says Dr. med. Alexander Maximillian Aldejohann,Ā deputy head of the WĆ¼rzburg Laboratory at the National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections (NRZMyk.) Since July 2023, Germany has implemented a limited statutory reporting requirement under the Infection Protection Act. Aldejohann is in favor of extending this reporting obligation: āThe fungus has the capacity to rapidly develop resistance to many common antifungal agents coupled with the ability to survive for a relatively long time on surfaces. This high so-called tenacity also increases the risk of outbreaks that are difficult to contain.ā
Increasing spread of Candida auris
C. auris is spreading globally. In some states in the U.S, the annual incidence rate has been shown to increase by a factor of 2 to 3. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) also drew attention to a rise in cases within Germany during the past year in the Epidemiological Bulletin at the at the beginning of May. The RKI points out that in specific areas screening could be beneficial. In the U.S, the annual case count has in the meantime reached the thousands. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) already consider the screening of patients, visitors, and staff for C. auris as a crucial strategy to curb its spread in healthcare settings. While the fungus is harmless for healthy individuals, it can it can lead to severe nosocomial infections, i.e. infections acquired in hospitals or other healthcare environments, in patients at high risk and, if the fungus enters the bloodstream, can trigger sepsis.
Easy handling, rapid detection The Vivalytic Analyser enables effortless testing directly at the point of care: The sample is placed into the test cartridge, which already contains all necessary reagents. The cartridge is then inserted into the Vivalytic Analyser for automated processing. Healthcare professionals require only minimal training to use the system, and the fully automated process significantly lowers the risk of infection. The Vivalytic Analyser thus facilitates rapid and precise diagnostics in PCR quality, bypassing the frequently lengthy process through a central laboratory. Bosch Healthcare Solutions is expecting CE certification for the Vivalytic C. auris test soon.
For More Information Please Contact:
Martin Conway, Phone: +44 (0) 28 9442 2413
E-mail: martin.conway@randox.co
Dementia Action Week 2024
Dementia Action Week 2024 (13th ā 20th May)
The term Dementia describes the different brain disorders that trigger a loss of brain function. These conditions are all usually progressive and eventually severe. Alzheimerās Disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting 62 per cent of all those diagnosed.
Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life.Ā Common symptoms include memory loss, confusion, and speech problems. Early warning signs may also include finding it difficult to follow conversations, or programs on TV, forgetting names of friends, or everyday objects and feeling confused even in a familiar environment.
Mainly affecting older people, after the age of 65, the likelihood of developing dementia roughly doubles every five years ā however, for some dementia can develop earlier, presenting different issues for the person affected, their carer and their family. There is also a considerable economic cost associated with the disease estimated at Ā£23 billion a year, which is predicted to triple by 2040. This is more than the cost of cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
At Randox, we recognise the importance in diagnosing dementia early. Ā Through our Randox Ā Alzheimer’s Disease Array which can be used for Rapid Identification of Alzheimerās Disease Risk. Randoxās Alzheimerās Disease Risk Array can be used for the direct determination of ApoE4 status from plasma, eliminating the need for genetic testing, assisting in clinical research and personalised medicine strategies. At Randox, we believe the importance of measuring ApoE4 protein expression in plasma is the way forward to screen those individuals at increased risk of Alzheimer Disease, as new beta amyloid-targeting therapies for this condition are being expected.
Race Against Dementia have been the partner charity for the Randox Grand National Festival over the past two years, working alongside this charity which was founded by three-times Formula One World Champion, Sir Jackie Stewart, with the aim of funding much needed pioneering research into the prevention and cure of dementia.
For further information about the Randox Alzheimerās Array please emailĀ info@randoxbiosciences.com
Growth through medical technology: Randox and Bosch invest heavily in the Vivalytic analysis platform
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New partnership for Vivalytic analysis platform: Bosch and Randox
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Laboratories Ltd. to invest 150 million euros in research, development, and
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distribution
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Strategic growth field: point-of-care molecular diagnostics expected to
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become a future market worth billions
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Growth with fully automated laboratory diagnostics: the two companies aim to
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achieve sales in the nine-figure range by 2030.
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Smartphone-sized laboratory: sepsis IVD grade test based on cutting-edge
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BioMEMS technology is a joint development objective.
With many diseases, every minute counts, and determining whether a patient is presenting the symptoms of a simple cold, the flu, or something as severe as life-threatening meningitis is usually only possible after time-consuming and expensive
laboratory diagnostics. With its Vivalytic analysis platform, Bosch has set itself the goal of making fast and highly precise diagnostics accessible at the point of care ā and aims to use molecular diagnostics to become a leading provider in the
market by 2030. To achieve this, Bosch has now agreed on a strategic partnership with Randox Laboratories Ltd., a leading diagnostic and medical technology company. The two companies will invest around 150 million euros in joint research, development, and sales activities for new tests for the Vivalytic analysis platform provided by Bosch Healthcare. One goal is the development ofĀ a sepsis IVD1 grade test that will be the first to feature highly innovative and novel BioMEMS technology.
Bosch has defined medical technology as a strategic growth field. Point-of-care molecular diagnostics is expected to become a future market worth billions. And with its Vivalytic analysis platform, Bosch aims to achieve a leading position in this market. āWith cutting-edge technology from our own labs and our own production lines, we want to grow long-term together with partners in the field of precision diagnostics,ā says Stefan Hartung, chairman of the Bosch board of management. āHere, our medical technology can draw considerable benefit from our diversification, from our expertise, from the groundwork we have done in automation, miniaturization, molecular diagnostics, and from our experience in microchip development and manufacturing,ā Hartung adds. āWe are investing long-term in an exciting high-tech growth field and continuously developing it together with partners. With technology āInvented for lifeā, we can relieve the burden on medical professionals and help make the diagnose and treatment of disease fasterā.
Shared growth: decentralized diagnostics at the point of care
Bosch Healthcare Solutions and Randox are now joining forces in an attempt to accelerate the development and market launch of new tests and to make distribution channels more efficient. The partnership is set to run for more than ten years. With Vivalytic, the two companies aim to achieve sales in the medium nine-figure range by 2030. āGlobally, healthcare is moving toward decentralized and personalized diagnostics, that enable rapid interventions and individual treatment plans,ā says Marc Meier, managing director of Bosch Healthcare
Solutions GmbH. āWith our partner Randox, we want to further expand the test portfolio of our Vivalytic analysis device. Our fully automated molecular diagnostics PCR tests provide clarity directly at the site of sample collection,
shorten waiting times, and take the strain off the healthcare system,ā Meier adds. The two partners are a good fit: Bosch can contribute its technology and manufacturing expertise across the fields of molecular diagnostics, microchip
development and manufacturing, and miniaturization. The universal Vivalytic platform for molecular diagnostics was developed in over ten years by Bosch researchers and brought to market maturity by Bosch Healthcare Solutions. Randox has 40 years of experience in the design and development of highly sensitive IVD tests performed on a variety of technologies, including microfluidic platforms. In combination with the companyās extensive market knowledge and global sales and distribution network, this adds up to considerable opportunities for growth. āRandox has always been committed to improving health worldwide and sees the need to invest in research and development initiatives that will support clinical decision making across a variety of disease areas. Diagnostics has always been an indispensable component of healthcare, and the alignment of both science and technology makes for the perfect fit in an area for high potential impact, especially in pressure-driven environments,ā says Dr. Peter Fitzgerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories Ltd. Bosch Healthcare Solutions and Randox already collaborated during the Covid-19 pandemic. In spring 2020, Bosch launched one of the worldās first fully automated PCR tests for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Together with Randox, the rapid test for use in doctorās offices, nursing homes, testing stations, and hospitals was made ready for the Vivalytic analysis device within the space of just a few weeks.
Development goal: sepsis test based on BioMEMS technology
One focus of the development partnership with Randox is the implementation of a highly sensitive multiplex2test for sepsis on the Vivalytic analysis platform.Sepsis, also known as āblood poisoning,ā is a potentially life-threatening complication3 that can occur in conjunction with various infectious diseases. A medical emergency that can lead to multiple organ failure, it requires immediate medical treatment. The planned IVD grade sepsis test is to be based for the first time on the highly innovative and novel BioMEMS technology developed by teams from Bosch corporate research in Renningen and Bosch Healthcare Solutions in Waiblingen. āWe have set ourselves the ambitious goal
of adding the functions of a high-performance silicon chip based on microsystems technology to our test cartridges for the Vivalytic platform. In doing so, we will combine Boschās unique expertise in the areas of MEMS chips, molecular diagnostics, and microfluidics,ā Marc Meier says. āClinical outcomes in sepsis depend on timely diagnosis and appropriate early therapeutic intervention. Current methods of sepsis diagnosis are insufficient and time-consuming. With over 10 years of experience in the field of infectious diseases diagnostics, we aim to develop a state-of-the-art sepsis test using the highly multiplexing BioMEMS technology. Such a test could revolutionize sepsis diagnosis, ultimately leading to improved treatment outcomes and lower mortality rates from this life-threatening condition,ā says Dr. Peter Fitzgerald.
Smaller and faster: from microfluidics to nanofluidics ā thanks to BioMEMS
The powerful BioMEMS chip adds a further innovative analysis method to the Vivalytic test cartridge, enabling it to test simultaneously and significantly faster for a large number of different pathogens. It is called BioMEMS because it combines microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) with microfluidics for applications in the field of medical technology. In microfluidics, very small amounts of fluid in the microliter range are moved in a very small space. Miniaturization allows qualitative biochemical polymerase chain reactions (PCR) to run in parallel in real-time on a single BioMEMS chip. āCompared to previous PCR reactions, the volumes of liquids are reduced by a factor of 1,000 to the nanoliter range. The analysis of liquids is left to a small microchip,ā Marc Meier explains. With the new BioMEMS technology, fully automatic testing up to 250 genetic characteristics4 (e.g. pathogens) in one cartridge is possible in less
than 15 minutes. The test cartridge is a highly complex laboratory the size of a smartphone, so to speak. Another future advantage of BioMEMS will be simpler and faster adaptation of new tests or existing tests on the chip itself. For example, existing tests can easily be expanded to include additional features. āThe BioMEMS technology paves the way for us to move into nanofluidics, where each pathogen will be examined in a reaction vessel the thickness of a hair,ā Meier says. To achieve this, Bosch wants to create more capacity on a MEMS chip and expand it what are known as ānanocavitiesā. Thanks to t
hese very small cavities, even more biochemical processes will be able to run in parallel on a
chip. With increasing miniaturization, the technology has potential to be used in oncology as well over the long term. The BioMEMS chips are to be manufactured at the Bosch semiconductor plant in Reutlingen, with bio-integration and cartridge
assembly to be carried out at Bosch Healthcare Solutions in Waiblingen.
Vivalytic platform: easy application at the point of sample collection
The advantages of carrying out PCR tests on the Bosch Vivalytic platform lie not only in speedy a
nalysis, but also in the ease of use: Once the sample has been taken, it is placed in the test cartridge. The cartridge, which contains all the necessary reagents for the respective test, is then inserted into the Vivalytic analyser for automated evaluation. Medical staff require only brief training on how to operate it. This enables fast and targeted diagnostics directly at the point of sample collection ā either at the doctorās office or in the hospital ā without the often long and time-consuming detour via a central laboratory. Bosch Healthcare Solutions already distributes various tests for diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, such as SARS-CoV-2 ā also a pooling variant and as a saliva test ā or a test to differentiate between SARS-CoV-2, RSV virus and influenza. There are also tests for pathogens that cause sexually transmitted infections (STI) and MRSA / SA (āhospital germā). Starting in summer, it is planned to expand the portfolio with tests for whooping cough (Bordetella holmesii, Bordetella parapertus
sis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica), urinary tract infections (UTI), bacterial meningitis, the two most common sexually transmitted diseases (Chlamydia trachomatis; CT and Neisseria gonorrhoeae; (NG), fungal infections (Candida auris), and three tests for diarrheal diseases
(norovirus, Clostridioides difficile, HSP)
Contact persons for press inquiries:
Robert Bosch GmbH
Dƶrthe Warnk, Phone: +49 711 811-55508
E-mail: doerthe.warnk@bosch.com
Randox Laboratories Ltd.
Martin Conway, Phone: +44 (0) 28 9442 2413
E-mail: martin.conway@randox.com