QuidelOrtho Corporation announced it has completed the acquisition of LEX Diagnostics for approximately $100 million in cash, marking a significant step in the company’s strategy to accelerate growth in point-of-care molecular diagnostics.
The deal brings the LEX VELO System into QuidelOrtho’s portfolio, an ultra-fast molecular diagnostics platform designed to deliver multiplex RT-PCR test results for Influenza A, Influenza B, and COVID-19 directly from a swab sample in approximately six to ten minutes. The system received U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance and CLIA waiver in February 2026.
The cartridge-based design eliminates the need for external liquid handling, enabling faster clinical decision-making in decentralized care environments while maintaining high sensitivity and reliability. The acquisition strengthens QuidelOrtho’s presence in one of the fastest-growing segments of the diagnostics market.
With this addition, QuidelOrtho expands its molecular diagnostics capabilities while complementing its existing leadership in immunoassay, clinical chemistry, and transfusion medicine. The company aims to deliver more integrated diagnostic solutions across healthcare settings, from point-of-care environments to hospitals and laboratories.
QuidelOrtho expects to begin the U.S. commercial launch of the LEX VELO System later in 2026, with international expansion to follow pending regulatory approvals.
KEY QUOTES
“The FDA clearance of the LEX VELO System and the completion of our acquisition of LEX mark a pivotal moment for QuidelOrtho and for our customers. This ultra-fast PCR platform is designed to deliver lab-quality results in minutes and fits seamlessly into point-of-care workflows. It empowers providers to act faster, make better-informed decisions and ultimately improve patient outcomes. It also reflects our long-term commitment to bringing advanced diagnostics closer to the patient.”
Brian J. Blaser, President and Chief Executive Officer, QuidelOrtho Corporation
“LEX achieved an extraordinary milestone with FDA clearance and CLIA waiver of the LEX VELO System. We are proud to join QuidelOrtho and to bring this technology to customers worldwide. We believe we can redefine what is possible in point-of-care molecular diagnostics.”
Ed Farrell, Chief Executive Officer, LEX Diagnostics
