IBL International collaborates with Grifols on advanced biomarker panels
Grifols and IBL, a Tecan company, seek to revolutionize clinical diagnostics with a future high-sensitivity, multiplexed immunoassay platform
1 May 2025Industry news
IBL International GmbH, a developer, manufacturer and provider of specialty diagnostics based in Germany, has entered a strategic partnership with global healthcare company Grifols to transform the specialty diagnostics market. Under this collaboration, IBL will develop biomarker panels for specialty diagnostics on Grifols’ random access, single molecule counting (SMC) platform, with a framework covering product development, manufacturing and commercialization to deliver advanced diagnostic solutions for laboratories and patients worldwide.
Scope of the specialty diagnostics collaboration
Under the agreement, IBL International will design and develop biomarker panels specifically tailored for random access use on the Grifols SMC platform. These specialty diagnostic panels are intended to address key customer needs by consolidating multiple parameters into a single, streamlined workflow.
The collaboration includes a master supply agreement under which IBL will manufacture and supply the biomarker panel products. This structure is designed to ensure reliable, efficient delivery of specialty diagnostic assays to clinical laboratories.
Combining assay development and diagnostic instrumentation expertise
The project brings together IBL International’s expertise in specialty diagnostic assay development with Grifols’ leadership in diagnostic instrumentation. By integrating IBL’s biomarker panels with the advanced capabilities of the SMC platform, the partners aim to deliver a state-of-the-art system for sensitive and reliable specialty diagnostics.
The collaboration encompasses:
- Development of biomarker panels by IBL, tailored for random access on the SMC platform
- Manufacturing and supply of these products by IBL under a master supply agreement
Improving specialty diagnostics workflows
Specialty diagnostics are often carried out outside the high-throughput, automated workflows of the core laboratory. These tests typically require specialized equipment and processes to handle low-volume, high-value assays, which can introduce complexity and delays.
By combining multiple specialty diagnostic parameters into a single workflow on the SMC platform, the partnership between IBL International and Grifols aims to streamline these processes. Grifols’ random access technology enables laboratories to process tests as soon as samples arrive, removing the need for batching and supporting faster, more efficient diagnostics that can enhance patient care.
Leadership perspectives on the partnership
Mukta Acharya, Head of Tecan’s Life Sciences Business, emphasized the global impact of the collaboration: “Partnering with Grifols allows us to scale healthcare innovation globally. By leveraging IBL’s entrepreneurial spirit and technological expertise, we’re addressing unmet needs in specialty diagnostics. Together, we’re creating solutions that empower laboratories and enhance patient journeys with reliable and sensitive diagnostics.”
Guillermo Marco-Gardoqui, SVP Diagnostic Operations and Strategy at Grifols, highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement: “Our collaboration with IBL demonstrates our commitment to our strategic plan for developing innovative clinical diagnostic solutions. By integrating IBL’s biomarker panels with the advanced capabilities of the SMC Platform, we are enhancing clinical workflows and addressing critical gaps in patient care.”
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Frequently asked questions
How does the strategic partnership between IBL International and Grifols aim to transform the specialty diagnostics market?
The strategic partnership between IBL International GmbH and Grifols aims to transform the specialty diagnostics market by combining IBL’s expertise in specialty diagnostic assay and biomarker panel development with Grifols’ leadership in diagnostic instrumentation and its random access, single molecule counting (SMC) platform. Under the collaboration, IBL will design, develop, manufacture and supply specialty biomarker panels tailored for random access use on the Grifols SMC platform. This integrated approach is intended to deliver advanced, sensitive and reliable specialty diagnostic solutions that streamline workflows for clinical laboratories and enhance patient care worldwide.
What role does the Grifols SMC platform play in the IBL International specialty diagnostics collaboration?
The Grifols SMC (single molecule counting) platform serves as the diagnostic instrumentation backbone for the collaboration with IBL International. IBL will develop biomarker panels specifically tailored for random access use on this SMC platform, enabling multiple specialty diagnostic parameters to be consolidated into a single, streamlined workflow. Grifols’ random access technology allows laboratories to process tests as soon as samples arrive, eliminating the need for batching. By integrating IBL’s biomarker panels with the advanced capabilities of the SMC platform, the partners aim to deliver a state-of-the-art system for sensitive, efficient and reliable specialty diagnostics.
How will the IBL International and Grifols collaboration improve specialty diagnostics workflows for clinical laboratories and patients?
The collaboration between IBL International and Grifols is designed to improve specialty diagnostics workflows by consolidating multiple specialty diagnostic parameters into a single workflow on the Grifols SMC platform. Specialty diagnostics are often performed outside high-throughput core laboratory systems and typically require specialized equipment and processes for low-volume, high-value assays, which can introduce complexity and delays. By using Grifols’ random access technology and IBL’s tailored biomarker panels, laboratories can process tests as soon as samples arrive, reducing the need for batching and supporting faster, more efficient diagnostics. This streamlined approach aims to enhance clinical workflows, address critical gaps in patient care and improve patient journeys with reliable and sensitive diagnostic solutions.