Bruker license technology for beta-lactamase tests    

Bruker has announced a licensing agreement with Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, for rapid testing of beta-lactamase activity using MALDI-TOF technology. This new method is fully compatible with the MALDI Biotyper system which uses a molecular approach based on specific proteomic fingerprints from bacterial and fungal strains for identification of microorganisms.

Dr. Theo Luider, Head of the Laboratories of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Erasmus University of Rotterdam, said: “We have been working with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for many years originally in the field of clinical proteomics, but more recently the increased usage of the MALDI-TOF approach for microbial identification also became an area of interest for us. We have filed a PCT patent for the characterisation of beta-lactamase activity by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry with the title "Methods and means for characterising antibiotic resistance in microorganisms". With their outstanding expertise in mass spectrometry and clinical microbiology market presence, we think that Bruker is the right partner to bring such novel assays to the market.”

Dr. Wolfgang Pusch, Executive Vice President - Microbiology Business at Bruker Daltonics, added: “The signing of this exclusive license agreement with the Erasmus Medical Center is another major milestone in our MALDI Biotyper strategy. While MALDI Biotyper-based microbial identification is already established in many countries, we see significant growth potential in MALDI-based beta-lactamase testing. The exclusively licenced IP from Erasmus Medical Center further strengthens our own broad portfolio of intellectual property in the field of mass spectrometry-based microbial analysis ranging from sample preparation, data processing, MALDI-TOF technology, direct analysis from positive blood cultures and beta-lactamase testing, and offers laboratories worldwide another tool in the fight against resistant bacteria.”