Roche has acquired Constitution Medical Investors, Inc. (CMI), based in Boston Massachusetts (USA). CMI is the developer of a highly innovative haematology testing system, which is designed to provide faster and more accurate diagnosis of blood-related diseases,  thereby improving  patient care. CMI was created and funded by the private equity firm Warburg Pincus and members of CMI’s management team.  

Under the terms of the agreement, Roche will pay CMI shareholders USD 220 million upfront, as well as further contingent payments depending on the achievement of certain milestones. CMI will serve as a centre of excellence in the field of haematology within Roche Diagnostics.

“With this acquisition, we will further strengthen our commitment to haematology and drive towards integrated laboratory solutions with innovative products which deliver medical value to our customers and patients.  Patients will benefit from faster and more accurate diagnosis of blood diseases such as anaemia and leukaemia”,  says Roland Diggelmann, COO of Roche’s Diagnostics. “We are happy to welcome CMI’s employees,  a very talented group of people with strong expertise and domain knowledge in the field of haematology, to the Roche Group”, he adds.

The Bloodhound  technology is the core of a fully-automated system in development with the capability to increase efficiency and save laboratory space by replacing several workstations with a single, compact unit.

“We are very excited about the prospect of continuing our successful development as part of the Roche Group and bringing our technology to medical laboratories in the service of patients on a global scale”, said Patrick Sullivan, chairman and CEO of CMI.

The new haematology capabilities will support Roche’s growth and strengthen its competitive position in the laboratory haematology testing business, which has an estimated global market size of more than USD 2.0 billion (2011).