NEW YORK (360Dx) – Bluejay Diagnostics today announced a collaborative clinical research deal with Hitachi Chemical to develop a noninvasive point-of-care test for pink eye.
The firms will develop the test to measure total IgE in human tears for diagnosing allergic conjunctivitis. Hitachi will provide its technology and expertise to perform clinical trials and regulatory applications in the US, Europe, and South America, Bluejay Dx said. The Acton, Massachusetts-based firm will have access to Hitachi Chemical's Allerwatch product, which is currently marketed in Japan for diagnosing allergic conjunctivitis, for exclusive development, marketing, and manufacturing in North America, South America, and Europe.
"Through our collaboration with Hitachi Chemical, we hope to deliver noninvasive, rapid, point-of-care tests that enhance patient care, and, just as importantly, avoid unnecessary treatment regimens, such as antibiotics," Bluejay Dx President and CEO Svetlana Dey said in a statement.
Tsuyoshi Uchida, director of the medical business unit of Hitachi Chemical, said that strengthening the allergy business is part of his firm's in vitro diagnostics strategy. "With the tear IgE test in the US market, it will complement our flagship Optigen product line and expand our US allergy business," he said.
Financial and other terms of the deal were not disclosed.