Our legacy

2024

bioMérieux announces the acquisition of LUMED, a software company that has developed a clinical decision support system to help hospitals optimize antimicrobial prescriptions and monitor healthcare-associated infections.

Strategic investment in Oxford Nanopore

bioMérieux made an immediate £70M investment in Oxford Nanopore, the company delivering a new generation of nanopore-based molecular sensing technology.

Launch of BIOFIRE® SPOTFIRE®

The BIOFIRE® SPOTFIRE® System received FDA 510(k) Clearance and CLIA-Waiver. This fast and innovative PCR system can be used by non-lab professionals at the point-of-care and delivers results in approximately 15 minutes.

2023

bioMérieux evolves its governance: Alexandre Mérieux becomes Executive President and Pierre Boulud is appointed Chief Executive Officer. This evolution in governance separates the functions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Pierre Boulud will directly lead the Executive Committee of bioMérieux to implement the Company’s strategy. In the face of major changes in the global healthcare sector, Alexandre Mérieux will focus on key issues related to global strategy.

Launch of VITEK® MS PRIME

FDA 510(k) clearance for VITEK® MS PRIME, the new MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry identification system of bioMérieux.

Acquisition of Specific Diagnostics

bioMérieux acquired Specific Diagnostics, a privately held U.S. based company that has developed a rapid antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) system that delivers phenotypic AST directly from positive blood cultures.

Launch of AUROBAC

A joint venture to fight AMR: Boehringer Ingelheim, Evotec SE and bioMérieux announced that they have formed a joint venture to create the next generation of antimicrobials along with actionable diagnostics.

Launch of VIDAS® KUBE™

CE-marking of VIDAS® KUBE™, a new generation automated immunoassay system for the renowned VIDAS® range. This innovation benefits clinical labs and food industries by providing results to help speed up patient care and protect consumers.

2021

Co-exclusive distribution agreement with Specific Diagnostics

bioMérieux distributes Specific Diagnostic’s newly introduced SPECIFIC REVEAL® Rapid AST in Europe, where it has been CE-IVD approved.

This system provides actionable results for bloodstream infections in an average of 5 hours directly from positive blood culture.

2021-0

CE marking of VIDAS® DENGUE NS1 Ag, VIDAS® Anti-DENGUE IgM and VIDAS® Anti-DENGUE IgG tests

Innovative and fully-automated assays to diagnose dengue infection.

Can be used independently to detect the viral antigen (NS1) and antibodies (IgM and IgG).

2021-1

CE marking of VIDAS® NEPHROCHECK® test

Innovative test to detect kidney stress in patients at risk of acute renal failure (AKI).

Using VIDAS® 3 system.

2021

CE marking of TB-IGRA® test on VIDAS®

Innovative and fully-automated test (Interferon-Gamma Release Assay) to diagnose latent TB infection.

Performed on the VIDAS® 3 platform.

2020-3

Launch of BIOFIRE® MYCOPLASMA

Molecular biology test for mycoplasma detection in biopharmaceutical products.

2020-4

CE marking of SARS-COV-2 RESPI R-GENE® test

Molecular biology test in the ARGENE® range for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses A and B, RSV (human respiratory syncytial virus) and hMPV (human metapneumovirus) from a single sample.

2020-1

CE marking of VIDAS® SARS-COV-2 IgM and SARS-COV-2 IgG

Serology tests used to measure the presence of antibodies in people who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2.

2020

Launch of the SARS-COV-2 R-GENE® test

ARGENE® range test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

2020-2

EUA for the BIOFIRE® RP2.1 panel and CE-marked of the BIOFIRE® RP2.1plus panel

Emergency use authorization (EUA) from the FDA for the BIOFIRE® RP2.1 panel covering 22 pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including SARS-CoV-2.

The CE-marked BIOFIRE® RP2.1plus panel also detects MERS-Coronavirus in addition to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 

2020-0

BIOFIRE® COVID-19 test

Emergency Use Authorization by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the BIOFIRE® COVID-19 test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

2019

Acquistion of Invisible Sentinel (United-States)

A company specialized in user-friendly molecular diagnostic tools for the rapid, accurate and reliable detection of pathogens and spoilage organisms in food and beverage.

2018-1

CE mark for expanded VITEK® MS database

The latest additions to the database used by this automated mass spectrometry microbial identification system allows the identification of :

• Brucella, which is often difficult for laboratory staff to recognize
• Emerging antibiotic-resistant pathogens such as Candida auris, Elizabethkingia anophelis and other clinically relevant bacteria.

This innovative solution further improves the performance of the VITEK® MS system by adding 272 new species to its database, including 217 bacteria species and 55 fungal species.

2018-2

Acquisition of a majority stake in Hybiome (China)

The Chinese Company Suzhou Hybiome Biomedical Engineering Co.Ltd is specialized in automated immunoassay tests.

Founded in 2009, the company develops, manufactures and markets a complete range of diagnostic solutions (reagents, instruments and software) cleared by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA).

2018-3

Launch of the BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® Pneumonia Panels

The BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® Pneumonia panel received 510 (k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® Pneumonia Panel plus received the CE-Mark.

These panels aid in the diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections.

2018

Acquisition of Astute Medical (United-States)

Dedicated to improving the diagnosis of high-risk medical conditions and diseases through the identification and validation of protein biomarkers.

Astute developed the NEPHROCHECK® test, an FDA-cleared test for the early risk assessment of acute kidney injuries (AKI).

This acquisition follows a development and commercialization partnership signed in 2015 with Astute to develop and market the NEPHROCHECK® test, for the VIDAS® automated immunoassay system. It reinforces bioMérieux’s offering of High Medical Value immunoassay biomarkers.

Fruitful partnership developed in 2015 between Astute Medical and bioMérieux when Astute granted bioMérieux a license to develop and market the NEPHROCHECK® test for the VIDAS® automated immunoassay system

2018-0

ENDOZYME® II GO launch

• A new innovative test for the detection of endotoxins in pharmaceutical microbiology control.
• The result of the combined expertise of bioMérieux in microbiology and Hyglos GmbH in endotoxin detection.

2017-2

FDA clearance for expanded pathogen identification capability on VITEK® MS

VITEK® MS, rapid pathogen identification, has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for the expanded identification of mycobacteria, Nocardia and moulds.

• A  database of  more than 15,000  strains
• For the first time, enables the safe identification of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) group

2017-0

FDA 510(k) clearance for the BacT/ALERT® VIRTUO™ automated blood culture system

BacT/ALERT® VIRTUO™ is the first continuously-monitoring blood culture microbial detection system to offer “Load & Go” technology, helping labs to streamline their workflow. It is now commercially available in countries that recognize CE marking and in the United States.

2017-3

FDA clearance for RAPIDEC® CARBA NP test

This test was developed for cases where microorganisms are resistant to carbapenems (a very broad spectrum antibiotic class).

Il enables the detection of carbapenemase producers within 2 hours.

2017-4

Alexandre Mérieux appointed Chairman and CEO of bioMérieux

After serving as CEO of bioMérieux for the last three years, Alexandre Mérieux succeeds Jean-Luc Bélingard, who had been Chairman of the Company since 2010.

As the next Mérieux generation takes up the position of Chairman and CEO, this appointment marks the continuity of the family’s role in the Company.

2017

FDA clearance for VIDAS® B•R•A•H•M•S PCTTM  

This automated test for the measurement of procalcitonin (PCT), a biological marker of bacterial infections, is an aid for antibiotic stewardship in respiratory infections and sepsis.

It provides test results in 20 minutes.

2017-1

FDA clearance for BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® RP2, CE marked for RP2 plus

The Respiratory BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® 2 (RP2) panel, enriched version of the Respiratory BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® panel, tests in 45 minutes 21 pathogens (17 viruses and 4 bacteria) responsible for respiratory tract infections. It incorporates an additional pathogen, Bordetella parapertussis, one of the causative agents of pertussis or whooping cough.

The BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® RP2 plus includes one additional pathogen: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

2016-2

Launch of EVISIGHT™ COMPACT

A new automated diagnostic solution for microbial detection in pharmaceutical production and an intelligent incubator system providing real time culture media reading.

2016-3

Launch of EMAG® 

A new molecular biology platform for the extraction of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) that builds on the quality, robustness and ease of use that have made the NucliSENS® easyMAG® platform so successful. eMAG® features automation from the primary sample tube, greater traceability and higher throughput, in addition to an unparalleled degree of flexibility, not previously available on an automated system for the extraction of nucleic acids.

2016

Acquisition of Applied Maths (Belgium)

bioMérieux enhances its bioinformatics capabilities with cutting-edge expertise and solutions for the smart use of complex biological data.

2016-0

FilmArray® Torch is FDA cleared with all 4 existing FilmArray® Panels and the system gets CE marked

The FilmArray® Torch platform is FDA-cleared for use with the Respiratory, Blood Culture Indentification, Gastrointestinal and Meningitis/Encephalitis panels. It provides up to six times more sample throughput per square foot of benchtop space.

2016-1

Acquisition of Hyglos (Germany)

Acquisition of Hyglos, a company that brings bioMérieux a unique and recognized expertise in the development and production of recombinant proteins used for the detection of endotoxins in pharmaceutical products.

2016-4

Moving of our headquarters to the Campus de l'Étoile

bioMérieux's Corporate functions are grouped on a new building in Marcy l’Étoile.(Lyon - France).

It is located at the roots of the Company's geographical center.

The historic site in Marcy concentrates on production, quality and R&D activities.

2015

Strategic partnership between bioMérieux and COPAN (Italia)

Strategic partnership in clinical microbiology laboratory automation between bioMérieux and COPAN. Leading manufacturer of innovative pre-analytic solutions, COPAN grants distribution rights for its automated platforms WASP® and WASPLab™.

2015-1

Launch of GENE-UP®

A new-generation PCR system for customers in the agri-food sector for the detection of microorganisms (bacteria and viruses).

2015-0

Launch of bioMérieux EPISEQ™

An innovative next-generation sequencing (NGS) service dedicated to the epidemiological monitoring of bacterial infections. Result of the collaboration agreement with Illumina, a world leader un genomics.

2014-1

Launch of CE-marked VIRTUO™

The new generation of BacT/ALERT®, VIRTUO™ is a uniquely innovative automated blood culture microbial detection system.

2014

Acquisition of BioFire Diagnostics Inc.

Acquisition of BioFire Diagnostics Inc., a privately held US-based company specialized in molecular biology.

2014-0

FDA clearance for the FilmArray® Gastrointestinal (GI) Panel

The 22-target FilmArray® GI Panel1 allows a syndromic approach2 to the diagnosis of infectious diarrhea as it includes bacteria, viruses and parasites in one test.

A test panel is a predetermined group of medical tests used as an aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

The syndromic approach is based on analyzing a syndrome (i.e. a set of symptoms) and, with a single reagent, identifying the disease-causing organisms responsible for this syndrome, whether they are viruses, bacteria or parasites.

2013-0

VIDAS® 3

The new generation of the VIDAS automated immunoassay platform.

2013

FDA approval of novel molecular test THxID™-BRAF

A companion test for late stage metastatic melanoma tumor samples.

2012

Acquisition of RAS (India) and partnership with Quanterix

• Acquisition of RAS, a specialist in molecular biology.
• Partnership with Quanterix for the development of a new generation of ultrasensitive, multiplex immunoassays.

2011-1

Launch of VITEK® MS

• Launch of VITEK® MS (used in association with the VITEK® 2 system) an automated mass spectrometry microbial identification system for clinical and industrial applications.
• First bioNexia® rapid tests commercialized by bioMérieux.
• Inauguration of the laboratory of the future at Marcy l’Étoile, France (over 1,000 visits from biologists and scientists in a year). Development of a similar unit in Saint Louis, Missouri (USA). The laboratories enable discussions to align bioMérieux’s future products and services with customer needs.

2011

Acquisition of AES Laboratoire (France).

An industrial microbiology company.

2011-0

Acquisition of ARGENE (France)

A specialist in molecular biology.

2010-0

Launch of Myla® middleware

• Myla® middleware is a software solution for the optimization of laboratory workflow and clinical information management. It is a complement to FMLA® (Full Microbiology Lab Automation).
• BacT/ALERT® 3D Dual-T, a microbial detection system used for sterility testing in the biopharmaceutical industry.

2010

Acquisition of Meikang Biotech and of Shanghai Zenka Biotechnology.

Acquisition of Meikang Biotech (China), a manufacturer of rapid tests.
 
Acquisition of Shanghai Zenka Biotechnology (China), a specialist in culture media.

2009

Launch of PREVI® Color Gram

PREVI® Color Gram for automated Gram staining.

2008

Joint ventures and Acquisitions

• Acquisition of AB BIODISK (Sweden), a company internationally recognized for its antimicrobial resistance testing range and particular expertise in susceptibility testing of fastidious and unusual organisms.
•  Acquisition of AviaraDx (USA), now bioTheranostics, a specialist in the molecular diagnosis of tumorous tissues.
•  Acquisition of PML Microbiologicals (USA), a company devoted to the development and production of culture media.
• Joint venture with Sysmex, the Japanese market leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics.
•  Joint venture with Shanghai Kehua Bio-engineering (China) for the production of microplate immunoassays.

2007

Acquisition of Biomedics (Spain) and of BTF (Australia)

• Acquisition of Biomedics, manufacturer of culture media.
• Acquisition of BTF, a specialist in industrial microbiology.

2006

Acquisition of Bacterial Barcodes (USA)

2004-0

Launches of TEMPO® and VITEK® 2 Compact

TEMPO®, for automated enumeration of quality indicators (bacteria, yeast and mold) for the agri-food industry.

VITEK® 2 Compact, a system for identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST).

2004

bioMérieux is listed on the stock exchange.

2002

NucliSENS EasyQ® and NucliSENS EasyQ® HIV-1

NucliSENS EasyQ®, a molecular diagnostics platform for amplification and real-time detection.

NucliSENS EasyQ® HIV-1, the first real-time test for measuring HIV-1 viral load.

2001

Acquisition of OrganonTeknika (Akzo Nobel, Netherlands).

A pioneering company working in HIV screening and viral load measurement.

1997

Launches of BacT/ALERT® 3D and VITEK® 2

• BacT/ALERT® 3D an advanced automated system for microbial detection in blood and sterile body fluid samples from Organon Teknika*
• VITEK® 2 an automated identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing system for bacteria and fungi

*Organon Teknika was acquired by bioMérieux in 2001.

1995

VIDAS® D-Dimer Exclusion™

The first test used to rule out the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism to be certified by the FDA.

1992

VIDAS® automated immunoassay platform adapted for industrial applications.

1991

Launch of the VIDAS® with 8 initial kits Today VIDAS has 100 parameters.

1990

Acquisition of the BOOM extraction and NASBA amplification technologies for molecular diagnostics.

1989

Development of chromogenic media Culture media that enables identification of microbial colonies by coloring them.

1988

Acquisition of Vitek Systems (United States) A world leader in automated bacterial identification.

1986

Acquisition of Api Systems (La Balme, France).

A specialist in bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing systems.

ATB™ EXPRESSION™ et ATB™ Plus Expert for automated bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing

1985

First HIV screening test: VIRONOSTIKA® HIV anti-HTLV-III by Organon Teknika*

*Organon Teknika was acquired by bioMérieux in 2001

1979

ATB™ strip

First ATB™ Antibiotic Susceptibility test strip by Api System*

*Api System was acquired by bioMérieux in 1987

1974-0

Launch of the Slidex® Meningitis kit.

First test enabling the diagnosis of an infectious disease without prior culture, with results in 5 minutes compared to several days previously.

1974

Alain Mérieux takes control of BD Mérieux, which becomes bioMérieux.

1972

Production and sale of the first ready-to-use culture media in Petri plates.

1969

The first toxoplasmosis detection kit and launch of miniaturized API® 20E strip

• The first toxoplasmosis detection kit: diagnosis of toxoplasmosis by immunofluorescence.
• Launch of miniaturized API® 20E strip by Api System*

*Api System was acquired by bioMérieux in 1987.

1967

Launch by BD Mérieux of a fibrometer

The fibrometer is added to the BD Mérieux catalog to test blood coagulation and is quickly adopted by a quarter (approx. 1,000) of France’s laboratories.

1963

Establishment of BD Mérieux