ACT Genomics Completes Acquisition of MC Diagnostics

Photo 1: MCD machine in operation

(Hong Kong, 12 July 2021) – ACT Genomics Holdings Company Limited (“ACT Genomics” or “the Group”) has completed the acquisition of MC Diagnostics Ltd. (“MCD”), a specialist molecular diagnostic company based in the United Kingdom, which marks the Group’s entry into the European precision medicine market.

Founded in 2006, MCD provides expertise in the automation of multiplexed molecular assays as well as custom-designed image analysis and interpretation software. MCD has designed, developed and manufactured an automated low density array platform (“ALDAS”), which is currently providing proven clinical diagnostic assays in the fields of HLA typing and blood group diagnostics.

Revolutionary Breakthrough in Genechip Technology

Effective and affordable cancer diagnostics testing tools with quick turnaround time and high sensitivity have always been sought after in the market. As a company at the forefront of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) molecular diagnostics in the field of oncology, ACT Genomics has partnered with MCD to develop fusion genechips on its ALDAS platform, which has recently yielded a notable breakthrough. Tests can now be easily and automatically performed at the point of care to achieve a result that is very close to that obtained by NGS. The first genechip – ACTSpot NTRK – will be launched in August 2021.

A New Chapter for ACT Genomics 

ACT Genomics is an NGS-based assays specialist and a pioneer in oncology molecular diagnostics in Asia. The creation of this union with MCD not only secures the global pioneering position of ACT Genomics in the development and applications of genechips, but also reflects the Group’s strategy to embrace new and exciting growth opportunities through diversification and globalization.

Mr. Peter Maguire, Chief Executive Officer of MCD said, “Scientists at MCD are experts in transplant diagnostics, pcr-based diagnostic tests, microarray fabrication, robotics and automation, as well as software engineering. We are heavily focused on field application and have successfully optimized our manufacturing, assay and automation processes. The ALDAS system offers maximum flexibility as its 8-well strip array allows any throughput from 1 to 96 samples per run and the turnaround time is only 3 hours from sample extraction to report. I am excited to ally with ACT Genomics to bring our knowledge and experience to Asia.”

Mr. Hua Chien Chen, Chief Executive Officer of ACT Genomics said, “With a vision to transform genomic information into action for the benefit of cancer patients, we at ACT Genomics are dedicated to develop innovative and effective products that can cover a broader spectrum of patient needs. Working hand-in-hand with MCD has brought us to the frontier of genechip technology and we are excited to have already accomplished a promising breakthrough. We look forward to continue our close relationship with the experts at MCD to perfect the ALDAS system and develop additional practical products that exploit this cutting-edge platform for the well-being of cancer patients and also the general public at large.”

ACT Genomics set up its third Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) laboratory in Asia at the Hong Kong Science Park in 2019. Leveraging Hong Kong Science Park’s thriving ecosystem, ACT Genomics has been seizing opportunities to cooperate with different enterprises, reap synergies and bring together top talents and latest technical knowhow, to contribute to the robust development of biomedical technology and the entire innovation and technology ecosystem.