Illumina to buy Verinata; Rusnano et al invest in Marinus

USA-based Illumina (Nasdaq: ILMN), recently the subject of a failed takeover bid by Swiss drug major Roche (ROG: SIX), has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Verinata Health, a provider of non-invasive tests for the early identification of fetal chromosomal abnormalities, for consideration of $350 million plus up to $100 million in milestone payments through 2015.

On completion of the acquisition, Illumina will have access to Verinata’s verifi prenatal test, the broadest non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) available today for high-risk pregnancies, and to the most comprehensive intellectual property portfolio in the non-invasive prenatal test industry, said Illumina. As non-invasive prenatal testing is one of the most rapidly growing areas utilizing next-generation sequencing, Illumina is uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of providing superior prenatal testing options, the firm added.

“This agreement with Verinata demonstrates Illumina’s commitment to developing innovative diagnostic solutions and providing our partners with the most advanced technologies for improved patient care,” said Jay Flatley, president and chief executive of Illumina. “Building on the recent acquisition of BlueGnome Ltd and our expertise in next-generation sequencing, this announcement further establishes Illumina as a leader in reproductive health,” he added.