Smarticles is a class of molecular diagnostics designed to quickly identify multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) and assesses antibiotic susceptibility directly from clinical samples, without the need for traditional enrichment, culture, or sample preparation processes.
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Roche said that the company will pay the shareholders of GeneWEAVE $190 million forthright, but it can go further to another $235 million, depending on the outcome of the products. The technology will allow doctors to prescribe appropriate drugs to patients faster and accurately. Broad-spectrum products can kill a wide range of bacteria, but can also encourage resistance by damaging gut flora and creating an ideal environment for new infections. Development costs are high while profit margins are low, meaning many firms see such R&D efforts as thankless.
Roche specializes in discovering and developing solutions for proper diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
One of the biggest hurdles to more antibiotic drug development is an incentive structure that leaves many biopharma companies apathetic. The company has now delved into the field with full force once again.
Through the acquisition, Roche said, it will be better able to fight drug-resistant bacteria because it will own GeneWEAVE’s Smarticles™ technology.
Roche has been building up its presence in antibacterial research since buying Switzerland’s Polyphor, a developer of new medicines for resistant bacteria, in November 2013.
Soon after, Roche inked an anitibiotic collaboration with Atlas Venture startup Spero Therapeutics.
Roche has just announced that it will be acquiring GeneWEAVE Biosciences, Inc., a privately held company focused on innovative, clinical microbiology diagnostics solutions, for approximately $425 million, according to a press release issued by Roche.
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Early this year Roche acquired Meiji Seika Pharma for $750 million and an agreement with Fedora for the ex-Japan rights to OP0595, a Phase I beta-lactamase inhibitor.
