Quidel signs development deal with BioHelix

Quidel signs deal to develop molecular diagnostic tests with BioHelix

• On 9:34 am EDT, Tuesday October 6, 2009

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Medical diagnostics maker Quidel Corp. said Tuesday it is collaborating with privately held BioHelix Corp. to develop a line of molecular diagnostic tests.

Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed. Under he deal, Quidel will fund and jointly develop with BioHelix tests to rapidly detect infectious pathogens. The test would use Beverly, Mass.-based BioHelix's isothermal amplification technology.

Quidel would have primary responsibility for making, marketing and selling the new products developed under the deal. Quidel would also have exclusive worldwide rights.

In opening trading, Quidel shares fell 13 cents to $15.34.