Bio-Techne has entered a strategic partnership with Spear Bio to enhance the global distribution of the latter’s next-generation immunoassay technology.
Under the collaboration, Bio-Techne will distribute Spear Bio’s SPEAR UltraDetect immunoassays for critical low-abundance biomarkers.
The assay will initially target biomarkers for neuro diseases, including phosphorylated tau 217 (pTau 217), GFAP, neurofilament light (Nf-L), and phosphorylated tau 231 (pTau 231).
The strategic move follows Bio-Techne’s participation in Spear Bio’s $45m Series A funding round in 2024.
Bio-Techne protein sciences segment president Will Geist said: “Partnering with Spear Bio marks an exciting step in our mission to advance biomarker detection in neurodegenerative disease research.
“By leveraging Bio-Techne’s global reach and immunoassay expertise with Spear Bio’s ultrasensitive technology, we are equipping researchers with innovative tools to detect and study critical biomarkers with unmatched precision and sensitivity.”
Spear Bio’s SPEAR platform, licensed from Harvard University, offers sensitivity two to three orders of magnitude higher than existing immunoassay platforms.
The platform leverages conventional qPCR instrumentation, making it a powerful tool for advancing clinical trials and early interventions.
Bio-Techne’s extensive global network will facilitate the deployment of Spear Bio’s assay technology, with an initial focus on neurodegenerative diseases.
The assay technology is also applicable to fields like inflammation and oncology.
The partnership aims to enhance early diagnosis and patient access to critical interventions in high-growth markets.
It highlights the potential of Spear Bio’s SPEAR technology and aligns with Bio-Techne’s goal of advancing biomarker detection.
Spear Bio founder and CEO Feng Xuan said: “Our strategic partnership with Bio-Techne represents a transformative opportunity for neurodegenerative disease research.
“By combining Bio-Techne’s global distribution network and market leadership with Spear Bio’s next-generation immunoassay technology, we are empowering researchers worldwide to investigate earlier disease mechanisms, improve patient stratification in clinical trials, and accelerate the development of new treatments for neurological disorders.”
