The molecular diagnostics company Biocartis recently established its R&D unit at the High Tech Campus Eindhoven in Brabant. This was the direct consequence of the takeover of the Philips DNA/RNA technology platform by Biocartis.

The Swiss company Biocartis is renowned globally for the solutions it develops for the swift and simultaneous detection and quantifying of a growing number of biomarkers which provide vital information about the health condition of patients. The technologies developed by Biocartis represent a significant contribution to the diagnostic testing of DNA/RNA material both in academic laboratories and the clinical environment in which patients are examined and treated. Biocartis is working towards a greater effectiveness of the use of existing and new DNA/RNA biomarkers, as a result of which the possibilities for patient-focused medicine can be optimized. This requires new information solutions which make the required tests more widely available - also in laboratories of ordinary hospitals and not just in academic research centers. By doing so the business accommodates the needs of both patient and care provider in terms of access to examination results.

The DNA/RNA technology platform developed by Philips was designed for the application of a wide range of fully automated diagnostic tests of patient samples, including for oncology and infectious diseases. The platform fits in perfectly with Biocartis' strategy of integrating technological solutions for clinical sample preparation and processing, as a result of which the company can now complete its own developments.

“Biocartis is going to further develop the technology platform, along with a menu of tests and will enter the market by collaborating with various partners", explains Chris van Eekelen. He is the managing director of Biocartis Nederland BV which was especially established as a subsidiary of the Swiss company. The final development takes place at the High Tech Campus Eindhoven in Brabant where Biocartis was established February last. Van Eekelen: “Here, we can benefit from the unique multidisciplinary research and development facilities which Philips and the campus environment can offer us.”

The production of both the electronic instrumentation and the so-called reagent cartridges will soon be done on the HTCE or in the immediate vicinity. “These cartridges form the core of our product”, explains Van Eekelen. He expects that dozens of jobs will be created with the arrival of the production unit.

The takeover of Philips' DNA/RNA technology platform by Biocartis and the company's future plans represent a significant development in the field of life sciences technology. As a result, one of Philips' high value technological research activities is therefore preserved for the Netherlands. Furthermore, this is a promising development which will lead to Brabant strengthening its position in the medical-technological field. BOM Foreign Investments heartily welcomes this development and regards it as yet further proof that Brabant in general and the High Tech Campus Eindhoven in particular is an outstanding location for innovative activity. During the years to come BOM Foreign Investments will be at Biocartis's disposal for the accommodation of the production unit, fiscal matters, opportunities for subsidies, etc.