Zeiss Acquires Clinical Microscopy Business
As Zeiss explained in its announcement, the analysis of tissue by this technology enables a more quantitative diagnosis, including the quantitation of biomarkers for targeted therapies. In its annual report, Clarient cited Applied Imaging, which was acquired by Genetix last year (see IBO 11/30/06), as the major competitor for the ACIS in the research market. In the clinical market, the major competitor is Ventana Medical Systems. Vision Systems, another competitor, was acquired by Danaher earlier this year. Zeiss, which is established in the research microscopy market, is well positioned to promote this technology for drug discovery and development.
Aliso Viejo, CA 3/8/07—Carl Zeiss Microimaging has acquired Clarient’s ACIS and Trestle Instrument Systems business assets and intellectual property for $11 million in cash and an additional $1.5 million based on post-closing conditions. In 2005, revenues for Clarient’s Technology Group, which includes fee-per-use and system sales, rose 16% to $8.7 million, including $4.4 million in instrument sales. The FDA-cleared ACIS (automated cellular imaging system) is used by pathologists for cancer diagnosis and by biopharmaceutical companies for drug development. The Trestle whole slide imaging and telepathology automation and software technology was acquired by Clarient last year. Zeiss and Clarient will each invest $3 million to jointly develop novel markers and new applications. In addition, Clarient can continue to access the software-related intellectual property and to cross license technology to develop new tests for its laboratory services. “With Clarient’s ACIS platform, Carl Zeiss MicroImaging acquires the gold standard for tissue based cancer diagnostics. This acquisition will complement Zeiss’ strong portfolio of micro-imaging technologies,” stated Ulrich Simon, president and CEO of Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH.
