NEWS
Agilent to acquire Biocare Medical
Agilent Technologies has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Biocare Medical, a global leader in clinical pathology, from an investor group led by Excellere Partners and GHO Capital Partners LLP, in an all- cash transaction valued at $950 million. Biocare is a high-growth global pathology antibody leader, serving customers with a complementary portfolio of immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridisation (ISH) and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) solutions designed to support improved patient health outcomes across oncology and broader clinical pathology. With more than 300 specialised antibodies and a proven R&D capability, Biocare has achieved annual double- digit revenue and profit growth since 2021 and generated over $90 million in revenue in 2025. The acquisition will expand Agilent’s pathology portfolio with a highly complementary
platform. The addition of Biocare’s complementary IHC antibody, reagent and instrument portfolio enhances Agilent’s immunohistochemistry offering and expands its ability to serve a broad range of pathology laboratories across clinical and research setings. Biocare has grown robustly in the IHC market and brings proven, efficient new-product innovation capabilities that strengthen Agilent’s capability to develop and commercialise new in vitro diagnostic antibodies. By combining Agilent’s global
operations with Biocare’s strong US commercial presence, the transaction creates a stronger platform to beter serve a broader base of research and clinical customers. The combined company will be well positioned to meet diverse testing and throughput needs while accelerating the expansion of Biocare’s antibody portfolio through Agilent’s resources and capabilities. The transaction is subject to
customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals, and is expected to close by no later than Agilent’s fourth fiscal quarter of 2026. Upon close, Biocare will become part of the Agilent Life Sciences and Diagnostics Markets Group.
Immunotherapy trial for advanced ovarian cancer
Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, are supporting an international clinical trial of a promising new immunotherapy treatment for advanced ovarian cancer. Biotechnology firm Theolytics has been
awarded €8 million research funding through the Horizon Europe programme, pending final negotiation, to support expansion of the OCTOPOD-IV Phase IIa trial. The trial will evaluate THEO-260 – a next-generation oncolytic immunotherapy designed to tackle the complex biology of stroma-rich carcinomas, starting with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. As a partner in the programme, The
Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) will lead key translational analyses, generating vital insights into how the treatment works in patients and identifying biomarkers that could guide future clinical development. THEO-260 is a type of oncolytic immunotherapy, which uses a specially adapted virus that can infect and kill cancer cells while helping the immune system recognise and atack the tumour. The therapy is designed to destroy
both cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts – supportive cells inside the tumour that help it grow and protect it from the immune system. By breaking down these cells, the treatment may make tumours more vulnerable and easier for the immune system to target. The ICR team, led by Professor Alan
Melcher, will study tumour and blood samples from people taking part in the trial to understand what effect the treatment has inside the body and why it may benefit some patients more than others. The OCTOPOD-IV trial is the first time
THEO-260 is being tested in people. The study will explore whether the treatment is safe, how well patients tolerate it and whether it shows early signs of shrinking or controlling tumours. It will also collect detailed biological and immune information to support further development. Recruitment is already underway in the UK and Spain, and more international sites will open as the trial expands. A second related study in the United States – looking at delivering the therapy directly into the abdomen – is also in progress.
Epredia to add Mindpeak AI modules
Epredia and Mindpeak have announced a distribution agreement to bring Mindpeak’s AI-based image recognition software to Epredia’s digital pathology customers in the European Union. Under the agreement, Epredia will
offer Mindpeak’s AI software for clinical diagnostics, translational research, and pharmaceutical development. In the future, Epredia also intends to explore integration of Mindpeak’s AI solutions into the Epredia E1000 Dx Digital Pathology Solution workflow, which would enable a seamless workflow and streamlined data exchange through Epredia’s image management system. The E1000 Dx consists of a high-speed, automated, whole-slide imaging digital scanner with medical grade viewer and advanced image management and viewer software that allows review of up to 1,500 high-resolution digital images daily. Mindpeak’s AI technology delivers
instant, pixel-level analysis of digital images of tissue samples, enabling objective and reproducible assessments
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WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM April 2026
in breast cancer, lung cancer, gastrointestinal pathology, biomarker quantification and exploratory research studies. These tools are designed to reduce variability, support decision making and improve workflow efficiency, all without requiring cloud connectivity, thereby offering data privacy and security for both clinical and research environments. Mindpeak’s AI portfolio includes a range of both CE Marked and research-use-only modules. This agreement will expand Epredia’s
portfolio of end-to-end pathology solutions, and advanced image management systems.
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