QIAGEN invests in new Barcelona facility to expand QIAstat-Dx capabilities

QIAGEN, a leading global provider of molecular diagnostics, has announced a multi-year investment in a new facility in Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, to enhance its QIAstat-Dx operations. The advanced site is expected to become a hub for innovation in infectious disease testing and precision medicine, addressing growing global demand for rapid and accurate diagnostics.

The Esplugues de Llobregat facility, scheduled to open in early 2026, will span 8,000 square meters and integrate laboratories, clean rooms, manufacturing lines, and logistics areas. It has already achieved LEED Platinum Certification for energy efficiency and sustainability, with plans to incorporate digitalized production lines for enhanced operational efficiency.

According to QIAGEN CEO Thierry Bernard, the QIAstat-Dx system gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic for its ability to deliver syndromic testing results in under an hour. Bernard stated that this new site builds on the system’s success and will expand its capabilities to cover a broader range of pathogens and precision medicine applications, ensuring timely and accurate diagnostics in diverse healthcare settings.

How QIAstat-Dx is advancing diagnostics

The QIAstat-Dx system uses multiplex real-time PCR technology to identify and differentiate genetic targets, offering results in about an hour. The system is particularly valued for its role in detecting respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system infections. It employs cost-effective single-use cartridges that combine sample processing and reagents for seamless diagnostics.

QIAGEN has further strengthened QIAstat-Dx’s capabilities through collaborations with pharmaceutical giants such as Eli Lilly and AstraZeneca. These partnerships aim to expand the system’s precision medicine applications, enabling clinicians to perform genotyping during routine examinations to guide treatment decisions for genomically targeted therapies.

Why Barcelona is central to QIAGEN’s strategy

Barcelona’s life sciences ecosystem, which includes universities, research institutes, start-ups, and established pharmaceutical companies, makes it an ideal location for QIAGEN’s expansion. The city also offers a talent pool of skilled researchers and developers, vital for advancing QIAstat-Dx technology.

Notably, QIAstat-Dx technology originated from a Barcelona-based start-up acquired by QIAGEN in 2018. By relocating its operations to Esplugues de Llobregat, QIAGEN aims to consolidate its Research & Development, manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulatory functions in one location. This strategic move is expected to foster innovation in microfluidics and diagnostics while addressing critical healthcare needs.

Expanding the QIAstat-Dx testing portfolio

QIAGEN has FDA-cleared panels for QIAstat-Dx to detect pathogens responsible for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, meningitis, and encephalitis. In Europe, its panels have received CE marking under the updated In-Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR). The system’s versatility continues to grow, with plans to include blood culture identification and complicated urinary tract infection diagnostics in its testing portfolio.

In addition to infectious diseases, the QIAstat-Dx system is set to address neurodegenerative, inflammatory, and other chronic conditions driven by genetic factors. These developments align with the global demand for rapid diagnostics in decentralized settings, such as clinics and outpatient centers.

Commitment to sustainability and innovation

QIAGEN’s investment in the Esplugues de Llobregat facility highlights its dual commitment to innovation and sustainability. The LEED Platinum-certified base building reflects eco-conscious design principles, while the facility’s advanced technologies aim to deliver scalable, cost-effective diagnostic solutions.

This initiative positions QIAGEN as a leader in molecular diagnostics, combining its expertise in infectious disease testing with its growing portfolio in precision medicine. By leveraging Barcelona’s dynamic ecosystem, QIAGEN aims to redefine diagnostic capabilities for healthcare providers worldwide.