22 Dec 2006 - Innogenetics NV announced that Innogenetics has entered into a distribution agreement with Immuno-Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd. (IBL Japan). Innogenetics gains distribution rights for ELISA-based tests to determine specific forms of the beta amyloid protein, a key parameter in Alzheimer's disease. According ot the company, this agreement strengthens Innogenetics' commercial position as a leading company in the field of Alzheimer's disease.  
 
According to the new agreement with IBL Japan, Innogenetics will act as IBL's exclusive distributor for these products outside Japan, with the right to appoint sub-distributors. This enables Innogenetics to expand its broad offering in the field of Alzheimer's disease with additional products that measure specific forms of beta amyloid: beta amyloid 40 and 42.
 
In parallel with the distribution agreement with IBL Japan, Innogenetics has also concluded a supply and purchase agreement with IBL Gesellschaft für Immunchemie und Immunbiologie MBH (IBL Hamburg). This gives IBL Hamburg the right to distribute IBL Japan kits for research use only in Europe. The initial term of this agreement is three years. Innogenetics will supply IBL Hamburg with ELISA kits for beta amyloid testing at pre-agreed transfer prices.
 
Along with tau protein, the abnormal accumulation of beta amyloid protein in the brain is one of the two principal pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, and represents a particularly useful diagnostic marker.