Bio-Rad Signs Agreement with VISIA Imaging for Fully-Automated IFA Slide Processing and Reading System

Date: 
2017-07-25

Press Release

HERCULES, Calif. and SAN GIOVANNI VALDARNO (AR), Italy – July 25, 2017 – Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO and BIOb), a global provider of life science research and clinical diagnostic products, today announced that it has signed an agreement with VISIA Imaging S.r.l. for commercialization rights to VISIA's new IFA (immunofluorescence) slide processing and reading platform for the evaluation of autoimmune diseases.

IFA slides are commonly used as a first step in screening for numerous autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus. VISIA’s second generation system integrates automated slide processing with the reading of IFA slides. The platform will automatically process slides, capture images, and aid in the interpretation of IFA results. This technology offered alongside the BioPlex 2200 System will allow Bio-Rad to deliver a more comprehensive suite of automation solutions to the autoimmune laboratory.

"We are delighted to work with Bio-Rad Laboratories for the commercialization of this platform into new global markets," said Alessandro Foggi, CEO of VISIA Imaging. "As the worldwide prevalence of autoimmune disease continues to grow, laboratories will benefit from this automated digital platform that includes slide processing, image acquisition, analysis, and archiving."

"We are excited about the opportunity to partner with VISIA Imaging,” said John Hertia, Bio-Rad Executive Vice President and President, Clinical Diagnostics. “The platform offers a standardized and automated workflow that is needed by laboratories to handle their ever increasing IFA workloads."

Bio-Rad and BioPlex are trademarks of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. in certain jurisdictions.


About Bio-Rad
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO and BIOb) develops, manufactures, and markets a broad range of innovative products and solutions for the life science research and clinical diagnostic markets. The company is renowned for its commitment to quality and customer service among university and research institutions, hospitals, public health and commercial laboratories, as well as the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and food safety industries.

Founded in 1952, Bio-Rad is based in Hercules, California, and serves more than 100,000 research and healthcare industry customers through its global network of operations. The company employs more than 8,350 people worldwide and had revenues exceeding $2 billion in 2016. For more information, please visit www.bio rad.com.


About VISIA Imaging, S.r.l.
VISIA Imaging is a leading developer and manufacturer of both hardware and software solutions for clinical diagnostics in various areas of application, with a specific focus on ophthalmology, cytogenetics, digital pathology and in particular autoimmunity.


This release may be deemed to contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements we make regarding our development and launch of new products and our expectations regarding our products. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plan", "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "may," "will," "intend," "estimate," "continue," or similar expressions or the negative of those terms or expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include our ability to develop and market new or improved products, product quality and liability issues, our ability to compete effectively, and international legal and regulatory risks. For further information regarding our risks and uncertainties, please refer to the "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" in Bio-Rad's public reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Bio-Rad cautions you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect an analysis only and speak only as of the date hereof. We disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.


Press contact:
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
Tina Cuccia, Corporate Communications
510-724-7000
Email: tina_cuccia@bio-rad.com

VISIA Imaging S.r.l.
Daria Picchioni, PhD
510-724-7000
Email: picchioni@visiaimaging.com