Roche Diagnostics has acquired Boston-based Constitution Medical Investors (CMI). CMI developed a hematology testing system designed to provide faster and more accurate diagnosis of blood-related diseases, which would improve patient care. Roche will pay CMI shareholders $220 million upfront, as well as further contingent payments depending on the achievement of certain milestones. CMI will serve as a center of excellence in the field of hematology within Roche.

"Patients will benefit from faster and more accurate diagnosis of blood diseases such as anemia and leukemia,” said Roland Diggelmann, chief operating officer of Roche.

The Bloodhound technology is the core of a fully-automated system in development with the capability to increase efficiency and save laboratory space by replacing several workstations with a single, compact unit.