Carl Zeiss MicroImaging Strengthens Activities in the Clinical Field

Carl Zeiss MicroImaging has acquired the equipment business of the US CompanyClarientand is therefore strengthening its commitment in the promising field of clinical cancer diagnostics and cancer research. With growing life expectation in the population, the subject of cancer, its diagnosis and treatment is now playing an increasingly important role. The joint use of microscopic techniques and molecular-biological methods is increasing.

Clarient’s systems save the microscopic image of a tissue section in a digital form. They also support the doctor in the diagnostic process by automatically quantifying markers known as biomarkers.

In addition, the doctor can discuss the digitized image with colleagues via the internet and therefore obtain a second opinion about the diagnosis. The ACIS III System from Clarient consists of an automated microscope and a computer featuring special image evaluation software. In the specialist medical community, these systems are currently seen as the gold standard for tissue-based cancer diagnosis.

The company acquired by Carl Zeiss MicroImaging will remain in its Aliso Viejo location near Los Angeles and will be integrated into the clinical microscopy activities which are headquartered in Jena in Germany.

“With the acquisition, Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH is once again underscoring its strategy of actively investing in innovative technologies and consistently driving forward its ongoing growth,” comments President and CEO Dr. Ulrich Simon.

In the marketing of the clinical version of the system, Carl Zeiss MicroImaging is collaborating with the Danish diagnostics company Dako, the manufacturer of reagents for tissue-based cancer diagnosis.