Original from: HITACHI

Hitachi High-Tech Corporation ("Hitachi High-Tech"), and ELITechGroup S.p.A. (Head Office: Italy, "ELITech") have entered a Collaboration, Manufacturing and Supply Agreement (the "Agreement") in the field of molecular testing for infectious disease.

Hitachi High-Tech has development and technical capabilities such as photometric analysis and automation utilized for its life sciences and in-vitro diagnostics products. ELITech offers fully automated PCR*1 testing systems and reagents for the European market, with a particular strength in reagents for a wide range of test items. Both companies have been jointly developing fully automated PCR testing system (the "System") primarily for the diagnosis and monitoring treatment of infectious diseases. This Agreement governs that Hitachi High-Tech supplies of the System to ELITech.

The System offers continuous sample and reagent loading as well as random-access capabilities in accordance with the needs of the laboratory, 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.

In Japan, Hitachi High-Tech will exhibit the System under the name “LABOSPECT GA-5” at the JACLaS EXPO 2025 in Yokohama, Japan, from October 3 through October 5, 2025.

Background

In the field of healthcare, molecular testing is used to figure out the risks of diseases 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 utilizes the technologies of Precision System Science Co., Ltd., with whom Hitachi High-Tech has a business alliance with respect to the genetic testing business.

Future Development

Going forward, Hitachi High-Tech will continue to foster innovation in the area of infectious diseases with ELITech, and through this partnership and others, we will build strong and long-term relationships with our partners.

Hitachi High-Tech support offering of personalized medical care for each and every patient by “Diagnosis x Therapy x Digital,” providing Lumada solution through the installed base (Digitalized Assets) and domain knowledge. We aim to “make patient smile with frontline healthcare workers” and “create a society without fear of cancer” for realizing a harmonized society where environment, wellbeing and economic growth are in balance.

Source: Entered a partnership with ELITech in the Field of Molecular Testing for Infectious Disease