NEW YORK – Microbiome diagnostic firm Genetic Analysis announced on Thursday that it has inked a laboratory-developed test agreement with Thalys Medical Technology Group to evaluate and develop diagnostic solutions for the human microbiota market in China.
Under the agreement, Thalys will use its Shanghai-based independent clinical lab to further develop and distribute tests based on Genetic Analysis' GA-map technology, which uses a pre-targeted multiplex approach that is specialized for simultaneous analysis of large numbers of bacteria in one reaction. The results are generated with the firm's GA-map algorithm, the company said.
The deal will allow both companies to "explore and build molecular gut microbiome diagnostic testing service opportunities in China," Thalys Group President Zheng Wang said in a statement. "The clinical microbiome market in China is a new and untouched segment within the molecular diagnostic market expected to grow significantly."
"This collaboration supports the global strategy to develop our innovation portfolio in the diagnostics and biotech segment, which both offers solid commercial opportunities and huge application potential in disease research, diagnostics, and therapeutics," Wang added.
Last year, Genetic Analysis launched its updated GA-map Dysbiosis Test, which provides microbiota profiles and dysbiosis status for patients with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. In June, Genetic Analysis signed a distribution agreement with Eagle Biosciences to distribute the GA-map Dysbiosis test in the US and Canada.
The firm also offers its HumGut database, a collection of 30,000 genomes from bacteria found in the human gut.
The Oslo, Norway-based company raised $6.8 million in an oversubscribed initial public offering on the Swedish Spotlight Stock Market in November.