Hitachi High-Tech, ELITechGroup Team Up on Infectious Disease Testing

Hitachi High-Tech Corporation and ELITechGroup S.p.A. are partnering to enhance infectious disease molecular testing.

Hitachi High-Tech brings to this union development and technical capabilities such as photometric analysis and automation, which is used for its life sciences and in-vitro diagnostics products. ELITech, on the other hand, offers fully automated PCR*1 testing systems and reagents for the European market, with a particular strength in reagents for various test items. Both companies have been jointly developing a fully automated PCR testing system primarily for diagnosing and monitoring infectious disease treatment. Under the agreement, Hitachi High-Tech will supply the PCR testing system to ELITech.

The PCR testing system offers continuous sample and reagent loading as well as random-access capabilities in accordance with laboratory needs, together with fully automated functions from sample preparation to measurement. The joint development efforts will focus on creating innovative and flexible PCR platform that enhances operational efficiency in microbiology and virology laboratories, ultimately contributing to improved patient care.

Molecular testing is used to determine disease risk and constitution, and to diagnose diseases based on their genetic information. The PCR method was also used during the COVID-19 pandemic and has become more widely used. As such, there is a need to improve the efficiency of testing operations through automation and reduction of testing times for multiple test items. Hitachi High-Tech and ELITech have been jointly developing a fully automated molecular testing system that can detect viruses and bacteria at an early stage. In addition, this system uses the technologies of Precision System Science Co. Ltd., with whom Hitachi High-Tech has a business alliance with respect to the genetic testing business.

Going forward, Hitachi High-Tech will continue to foster innovation in infectious diseases with ELITech, and through this partnership and others, will build strong and long-term relationships with its partners. Hitachi High-Tech offers personalized medical care for all patients by “Diagnosis x Therapy x Digital,” providing a Lumada solution through the installed base (digitalized assets) and domain knowledge.

Hitachi High-Tech provides technologies, products, and services with its corporate vision of “Changing the World and Future with the Power of Knowledge” to contribute to a sustainable global environment, healthy, safe, and secure lives, and the sustained development of science and industry. The company manufactures and sell clinical analyzers, biotechnology products, and radiation therapy systems; semiconductor manufacturing and inspection equipment; as well as analytical systems and electron microscopes used in environmental fields and materials research. Hitachi High-Tech also is engaged in a wide range of business areas globally, providing high added-value solutions in battery, communication infrastructure, railway inspection, digital, and other industrial and social infrastructure fields. By deeply understanding the issues facing society and customers, and utilizing the installed base (digitalized assets) and domain knowledge, the company provides digital service through Lumada 3.0, enhanced by artificial intelligence. The company’s consolidated FY2024 revenues were approximately JPY 756.5 billion.

ELITechGroup considers itself a global leader in in-vitro diagnostics, serving hospitals and diagnostic laboratories in more than 100 countries through a direct sales network and trusted distribution partners. The company develops, manufactures, and markets diagnostic products and solutions, including instruments, reagents, and software. With a global team of about 600 professionals, ELITechGroup is a part of Bruker Corporation. Alongside Bruker’s other businesses in the Bruker Microbiology & Infection Diagnostics division (BMID), ELITechGroup remains deeply committed to fully meeting the evolving needs of its customers. The company continues to develop state-of-the-art technologies and solutions that address the challenges faced by laboratories.

* 1 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): A method of amplifying very small samples of DNA fragments from cells.