Our Story

In 1974, our founding scientist, Stanley Watson, perfected the modern process of bacterial endotoxin testing using limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) from living horseshoe crabs.

In 1977, the FDA approved Watson’s test, now the de facto standard for pyrogen testing, specified by the US Pharmacopeia and other standards-setting entities.

Since then, ACC has developed a global reputation as the leading experts in bacterial endotoxin testing and providers of LAL testing reagents and equipment. We leveraged that expertise to introduce a screening test for invasive fungal infection (IFI) to the clinical market in 2004.

As the world and industry evolve, we evolve with it. In 2018, ACC launched the Horseshoe Crab Sustainability Project to support fisheries from North America to Asia to help ensure the genetic diversity of the horseshoe crab.

In 2021, we introduced PyroSmart NextGen^®, our recombinant technology that replicates the LAL enzyme cascade without requiring a drop of horseshoe crab blood.
Throughout our history, we have never lost sight of the end users of our products and the patient lives that depend on accurate and efficient endotoxin and IFI testing. We also work hard to protect the natural resources that we rely on to operate our company. As we continue to innovate and grow, we do so with a commitment to exceptional technical support, customer service and sustainability.

50 Years of Innovation

ACC perfected the original LAL test — the qualitative gel clot test — in 1974 to detect bacterial endotoxins. But that innovation was just the first in a long line of product and service introductions that have advanced how we keep patients safe from harmful microbial infections. Take a tour of our most important milestones in the interactive timeline below.