Alfa Wassermann Diagnostic Technologies and Hitachi to Partner for Clinical Chemistry Analyzer Sales in USA
West Caldwell, NJ, and Tokyo, Japan, May 29, 2007 –– Alfa Wassermann Diagnostic Technologies, LLC and Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501) today announced that they have entered into a distribution and maintenance / service agreement on partnership to sell and market Hitachi’s clinical chemistry systems for the Physician Office Laboratory (POL) market in the United States.
The small practice segment of the POL laboratory market is the largest and fastest growing segment in the United States. Most small practices do not have in-house clinical chemistry test capability; samples are typically sent out to reference laboratories. The need exists for immediate test results at the point of care.
To address this need, Alfa Wassermann and Hitachi have entered into a distribution and service agreement for Hitachi’s Clinical Analyzer S40 in the United States. In making the announcement, both parties commented on the partnership:
Douglas Danne, President of Alfa Wassermann Diagnostic Technologies, LLC, said, “Through this agreement, we are partnering with an organization that will assist us in our goal to provide exciting new technology and innovative solutions for practicing physicians. Our strategy is focused on expanding and diversifying Alfa Wassermann’s current portfolio of clinical chemistry systems and acquiring technologies that can be applied to strengthen and add value to our already broad portfolio.”
Hiroshi Mitsumaki, President and CEO of Personal Healthcare Venture Company, Hitachi, Ltd., explains that the partnership is a natural one. “We are excited to be working with Alfa Wassermann to provide solutions for the POL marketplace in the United States. We entered into this strategic partnership with Alfa Wassermann because they are the leader in the POL market. We are looking forward to a long and successful partnership. We also believe that Hitachi’s desktop size clinical chemistry system will certainly satisfy the needs at physician’s offices in the United States.”
The initial product offering will be the revolutionary Hitachi S40 desktop clinical chemistry analyzer that combines the accuracy and flexibility of large scale systems with the ease of use and convenience required in the POL setting. Alfa Wassermann and Hitachi plan to unveil Hitachi Clinical Analyzer S40 to the United States market at the annual American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Annual Meeting and Clinical Lab Expo in San Diego, CA on July 17, 2007.
The focus will be on the ability to offer a “Total Solution” to end-users. Alfa Wassermann and Hitachi will begin an aggressive campaign to release innovative solutions that meet these needs. Further product announcements will be forthcoming.