Women’s health technology provider Hologic has agreed to acquire Biotheranostics, a US-based cancer-focused molecular diagnostics technology developer spun off by biotechnology firm BioMérieux, for about $230m.
Founded in 2008, Biotheranostics supplies clinicians with molecular tests to inform cancer diagnoses. Its ests leverage a DNA sample copying-method called polymerase chain reaction to investigate gene expression signatures at high resolution.
The company has two existing products including Breast Cancer Index (BCI), an early-stage breast cancer assay that evaluates the possibility of prescribing endocrine, a hormone drug treatment with potential side effects.
Biotheranostics also markets a genomic diagnosis test it says detects 95% of metastatic malignancies: tumours that have migrated beyond the original cancer location making it easier for them to evade traditional assays.
Hologic expects the offering to extend its women’s health coverage for oncological indications, particularly breast cancer, which primarily impacts women.
Biotheranostics had raised $32m in a 2016 round led by MVM Life Science Partners that included Canepa Advanced Healthcare Fund and HealthQuest Capital.
Don Hardison, president and CEO of Biotheranostics, said: “For Breast Cancer Index, our long-held belief is that all women who are being treated with endocrine therapy for their breast cancer deserve to know what is right for them. Being part of Hologic only helps bring that hope closer to reality.”