The History of Medix Biochemica

Updated in September 2024

Learn all about the history of Medix Biochemica, and how our innovative solutions, along with collaborations and partnerships, help our customers develop better diagnostic tools for the in vitro diagnostic industry.

Medix Biochemica was established in Finland in 1985, and since then we have been manufacturing and supplying high-quality raw materials for the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) industry, as well as research and development institutes. Our vision is to become the first-choice raw material partner for the IVD industry.^1,2

Where it all began

The history of Medix Biochemica began with Georges J.F. Köhler and César Milstein were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1984 for the discovery of the hybridoma technique for the production of monoclonal antibodies.³

A Finnish scientist, Jim Schröder, worked at Stanford University and brought his expertise back to Medix Biochemica upon returning to Finland. Later on, Jim Schröder became a Professor at the University of Helsinki, and a long-standing Board Member and chairman of the Board of Medix Biochemica.

Image Source: Medix Biochemica Company Presentation (2015)

“Every single day, antibodies manufactured by us enable 1 million people to get an answer to their health questions.”
—Laura-Leena Kiiskinen, Vice President of Innovation and Business Development at Medix Biochemica.

Medix Biochemica’s collaborations and partnerships

We are fully committed to offering our customers the most comprehensive IVD raw materials portfolio in the industry. In order to do this, we have acquired several companies, each with its own expertise, across the IVD market. 

In 2019, Lee Biosolutions was acquired,⁴  followed by EastCoast Bio and Biostride in 2020,^5,6  Diaclone in 2021, and myPOLS Biotec GmbH and Bioresource Technology in 2022, strengthening its existing molecular diagnostics division, MedixMDx and capabilities in base matrix processing, respectively.⁸

Most recently in November 2023, we acquired US-based ViroStat, which will significantly strengthen our infectious disease offerings.⁹

With these acquisitions we have broadened our portfolio of critical raw materials for the IVD industry, complemented our scientific expertise, and strengthened our local presence within the respective regions.^4-9

Together, with all our partners, we offer over a century’s worth of combined diagnostics expertise to our customers all over the world. 

Timeline of Medix Biochemica’s acquisitions

Image Source: https://about.medixbiochemica.com/

Medix Biochemica continues to grow

We have radically expanded our product portfolio over the past few years, now covering not only antibodies and antigens for immunodiagnostics, but also the following:

• Enzymes and master mixes for molecular diagnostics.  
• Quality control raw materials from base matrices to native lipoproteins.  
• Clinical chemistry enzymes.

We also offer a wide range of bio-specimens for IVD test developers. We expand over seven sites globally which provide contract development, customization, and manufacturing services for diagnostic raw materials.²

In addition to that, we have exceptional in-house knowledge of Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and isothermal assay development as well as master mix lyophilization, to cover all essential application needs in molecular diagnostics.

Our extended offering means we can provide almost any protein, bio-specimen, or base matrix that our customers may need.¹⁰ 

Medix Biochemica solutions help customers develop better diagnostic tools for healthcare¹¹ 

In the past, limitations in raw material performance, detection technologies, and data analytics have set certain technical boundaries to IVD test development. However, we are now seeing exciting technology disruptions occurring at all levels, from raw materials development to result-interpretation software.  

With these concurrent advances in protein modeling and engineering, sensitive detection technologies, and AI-based data analytics, disruptive innovations are inevitable.  

Our core expertise in antibody and enzyme development tailored for the IVD industry’s needs ensures that our customers’ research and development teams can focus on their assay, detection platform, and analysis software development. We support them by bringing in state-of-the-art solutions to develop the raw materials for their applications. The best innovative diagnostic methods for improved patient care come through collaboration and partnering, where each partner combines their best mind and capabilities. 

Medix Biochemica in action 

• Antibody rescue 

One of our partnering companies produced some good monoclonal antibodies for lateral flow IVD tests but their hybridoma cell lines had deteriorated (they were no longer viable or producing the antibodies). Our Research and Development team was able to rescue the DNA sequences encoding the mAbs, and they created recombinant versions of the antibodies with unaltered antigen-binding properties. This secured the supply of two high-performing mAbs for our customers. 

• A newly developed recombinant antibody for immunoPET applications 

Our phage display research and development group, in less than 6 months, generated a novel binding molecule for a human membrane protein identified as a marker of CAF (cancer-associated fibroblast). The newly developed recombinant antibody is currently being used in immunoPET applications.

• The Covid-19 Pandemic  

Our PCR enzyme and master mix capabilities enabled clinical laboratories and test manufacturers to develop high-performing assays for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) detection, without the need for sample extraction or lysis, thus saving precious hands-on time and consumables in the laboratory.  

Learn more about our heritage, expertise, and commitment to the IVD industry, and reach out to us if you’d like to discuss some of your IVD needs.

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References:

1. About us. Medix Biochemica. Accessed April 12, 2024. https://info.medixbiochemica.com/about-us.
2. Medix Biochemica across the world. Medix Biochemica. Accessed April 12, 2024. https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/medix-biochemica-across-the-world.
3. The Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine 1984. NobelPrize.org. Accessed April 12, 2024. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1984/summary/.
4. Medix Biochemica expands to biomaterials for IVD industry through acquisition of Lee Biosolutions. Lee Biosolutions. Accessed April 12, 2024. https://www.leebio.com/blog/169/medix-biochemica-expands-to-biomaterials-for-ivd-industry-through-acquisition-of-lee-biosolutions.
5. Eastcoast Bio. Pivotal Scientific. Accessed April 12, 2024. https://pivotalscientific.com/pslmember/72665/.
6. Medix Biochemica expands to Drugs of Abuse antibody and antigen manufacturing through acquisition of Biostride Inc. — DevCo. Accessed April 12, 2024. https://www.devco.fi/newsfeed/medix-biochemica-expands-to-drugs-of-abuse-antibody-and-antigen-manufacturing-through-acquisition-of-biostride-inc.
7. Press release: Medix Biochemica expands its monoclonal antibody offering through the acquisition of Diaclone. Medix Biochemica. Accessed April 12, 2024. https://www.diaclone.com/uploads/files/Press%20Release%20Medix%20Biochemica%20acquires%20Diaclone_20210713.pdf.
8. Medix Biochemica acquires myPOLS Biotec. Medix Biochemica. Accessed April 12, 2024. https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/medix-biochemica-acquires-mypols-biotec.
9. Medix Biochemica acquires ViroStat. Accessed April 12, 2024. https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/medix-biochemica-acquires-virostat.
10. Our products. Medix Biochemica. Accessed April 12, 2024. https://www.medixbiochemica.com/our-products.html.
11. Expert opinion. Anthony Austin, Global Marketing Manager, Medix Biochemica. April 2024.