VitaPath Genetics and Alere Announce Strategic Partnership for the Development of Molecular Diagnostics to Prevent Birth Defects

VitaPath Genetics and Alere ALR announced today that Alere has licensed worldwide marketing rights to VitaPath's spina bifida risk assessment assay, which is expected to be commercially launched in 2012. The assay is a genetic test that identifies elevated risk in women of childbearing age for the common birth defect spina bifida, which can be prevented with high-dose folic acid under the care of a physician. In addition, Alere has licensed the right to develop with VitaPath additional product line extensions primarily focused in the area of fetal health. The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. “Alere brings an unparalleled global platform to support the successful launch of the spina bifida assay and potential future products that prevent birth defects,” said Bruce Cohen, President and Chief Executive Officer of VitaPath Genetics. “Importantly, this partnership validates and supports further development of our proprietary technology platform, which links biologically functional genetic mutations to serious disorders that can be prevented or remediated with safe and effective vitamin-based therapies. In doing so, we can improve quality of life for patients while also reducing overall healthcare costs.”