QIAGEN has acquired from Ares Genetics an exclusive license to use its ARESdb proprietary antimicrobial resistance (AMR) database, as well as bioinformatics tools and workflows from the ARES Technology Platform, called AREStools.

The value of the licenses was not disclosed.

The database, tools, and workflows will be integrated into QIAGEN’s bioinformatics products and services for researchers, with the goal of accelerating research into AMR global health challenges posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

According to Ares, a subsidiary of Curetis, ARESbd is a comprehensive, global and continuously-updated proprietary knowledge base focused on genetic antibiotic resistance markers and their diagnostic relevance. The database combines deep whole-genome sequencing data with antibiotic resistance profiles.

ARESdb contains thousands of whole genome sequenced clinical isolates collected from more than 200 centers globally. ARESdb is designed to enable pathogen identification with up to >99% accuracy and antibiotic resistance detection with up to more than 98%

QIAGEN plans to integrate the ARESdb content with its CLC Genomics Workbench and build a Software-as-a-Service portal providing standardized analysis for research and enabling flexible design of assays. QIAGEN reasons that it can expand its Sample to Insight workflows by combining its current sample preparation solutions, GeneGlobe portal and dedicated bioinformatics solutions with ARESdb.

QIAGEN says its solutions are designed to support basic and clinical research on a range of bacterial infections, including healthcare-associated and community-acquired infections.

The company has also obtained a non-exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize molecular research assays using ARESdb content with QIAGEN next-generation sequencing (NGS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) solutions.

“QIAGEN is committed to creating best-in-class Sample to Insight solutions that help combat the global crisis in antibiotic resistant pathogens,” Jonathan Sheldon, Senior Vice President and head of QIAGEN Bioinformatics, said in a statement. “Partnering with Ares Genetics to leverage their genomic content with QIAGEN’s expertise in bioinformatics, NGS and PCR technologies, we will expand our portfolio of solutions to help the global community fight these infections.”  

Added Andreas Posch, PhD, Managing Director and CEO of Ares Genetics: “This partnership has the potential to greatly facilitate our engagement with the public health and AMR research communities in the further development and expansion of ARESdb.”

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