Florence, September 10, 2024
Hospitex International, an Ikonosys company, signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with BIO BRASIL BIOTECNOLOGIA LTDA, a premier provider of anatomical pathology services in Brazil, marking a significant expansion of their collaboration in Brazil. This partnership aims to enhance the availability of diagnostic tools and improve healthcare outcomes in São Paulo state through the acquisition of additional state-of-the-art cytology equipment.
More specifically, the MOU outlines the acquisition of an additional 10 Cytofast Plus systems and 50,000 reagent kits by BIO BRASIL. The Company will thus expand its diagnostic infrastructure, complementing the 7 systems already deployed in collaboration with Hospitex, to face the growing demand for Pap tests and urinary cytology diagnostics in São Paulo. In addition, a pilot project of innovative fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technology will be conducted within BIO BRASIL’s centralized laboratory to test Ikonisys’ advanced diagnostic solution for urinary cytology. This project aims at introducing innovative applications for LSiL (Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions) and ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance) in Pap tests. The system has already been successfully evaluated in collaboration with São Paulo City Hall.
As part of the agreement, BIO BRASIL will oversee the integration and operational deployment of the new equipment, ensure staff training, and promote the accessibility of cytology services while Ikonisys will supply the equipment and reagent kits, provide technical support and training, and collaborate on R&D initiatives. The partnership will be effective for two years and aims to drive forward innovations in diagnostic pathology. Both companies are committed to completing an initial order of equipment and supplies by the end of 2024, ensuring swift deployment to support market needs.
The state of São Paulo presents a substantial market for cytology services. With nearly 8 million women of screening age for cervical cancer, preventive Pap tests have become a public health priority, with current urban coverage surpassing 70%. In addition, the state of São Paulo reports approximately 20,000 new cases of bladder cancer annually, emphasizing the growing demand for urinary cytology diagnostics.
Francesco Trisolini, COO of Ikonisys and CEO of Hospitex, stated: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with BIO BRASIL which ties in with our strategy of expanding worldwide. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our commitment to advancing cytology technologies and enhancing healthcare services in geographies where there is a tremendous need to save human lives.”
Thanks to this collaboration, BIO BRASIL will consolidate its position as the leading anatomical pathology laboratory in Brazil and Hospitex is set to establish as the reference technology for liquid-based cytology (LBC) in Brazil.
