bioMérieux have launched GENE-UP®, a new PCR-based molecular diagnostic system for the detection of microorganisms (bacteria and viruses). This platform enables the microbiological control of food, raw materials and the production environment for customers in the agri-food sector. It is currently available for laboratories in the United States and plans are underway to introduce it into Europe, Latin America and Asia during the first half of 2016.

bioMérieux developed GENE-UP® jointly with BioFire Defense, a U.S. company recognized for its expertise in PCR-based molecular biology systems and acquired by bioMérieux in January 2014. This innovative solution considerably simplifies lab workflow, improving productivity while limiting the risk of inter-sample contamination.

GENE-UP® is simple to use, featuring a flexible system that provides laboratory directors and production teams remote access to lab results, thereby accelerating the decision making process for batch release waiting to be shipped.

The GENE-UP® platform menu enables the detection of the most commonly tested pathogens in the food chain, such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria. This offer will continue to be expanded in the coming months with additional tests designed to meet the specific needs of the various agri-food sectors. The methods used to detect Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 have already received AOAC-RI certification (no. 061504 and 061505), which is recognized in a number of countries, including the United States, as an indication of a technology’s excellent performance.

In addition, GENE-UP® being an open platform, is ideally suited to the utilization of tests in the CEERAM product range (CEERAM is a company specialized in molecular biology acquired by bioMérieux in December 2014). CEERAM tests detect viruses, including noroviruses and hepatitis A in the agri-food production chain.

“We are especially proud to provide our customers with a new-generation molecular biology system that helps them limit contamination risks more effectively across the entire production chain, while at the same time addressing their operational needs to optimize workflows,” said Nicolas Cartier, Corporate Vice President of bioMérieux’s Industrial Microbiology Unit. “This new platform resulting from the combination of BioFire’s know-how in molecular biology and bioMérieux’s expertise in microbiology, further strengthens our portfolio of tailor-made solutions and is perfectly adapted to address the diverse needs of the agri-food sector. With 25 years of expertise and a solid leadership position in the field of industrial microbiological control, this new launch confirms our commitment to protecting consumers’ health.”