Corgenix

In 1990, Dr. Lewis Lopez acquired technology from his employer, BioStar Medical Products, to establish a new diagnostics company in Colorado called Reaads Medical Products. The company initially focused on developing and commercializing tests for anti-phospholipid antibodies, which were emerging as important markers for autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. This strategic focus allowed the company to build a foundational product line on the ELISA microplate platform, which became widely adopted by physicians and laboratories. In 1998, the company went public and rebranded as Corgenix, a name reflecting its growing emphasis on cardiovascular diagnostics. The company's journey took a significant turn in 2014 when it entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by ORGENTEC Diagnostika, a German specialty diagnostics firm. The deal, valued at approximately $16 million, offered a 29% premium to Corgenix's shareholders and was unanimously approved by its board. Douglass Simpson, the CEO at the time, noted that the acquisition followed a thorough review of strategic alternatives and provided excellent value to shareholders. The merger was designed to expand the global distribution network and product portfolio for both companies, combining their offerings to more than 350 diagnostic tests. This chapter concluded in 2021 when the entire ORGENTEC group, including Corgenix, was acquired by Sebia, a global leader in diagnostic equipment.