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BioMedical Diagnostics SA (France) and Modules for Novel Diagnostics Ltd (Israel) sign research agreement covering infectious disease Multiplex assays
Companies build on their
know-how in break-through Multiplex technology and in viral and
bacterial diagnostics
Marne-la-Vallée (France)
and Hefer (Israel), May 4, 2006 - bmd, one of Europe's leading
medical diagnostics companies, announces today a collaboration and
research project with MND, an Israel-based company specialized in
specific viral and bacterial detection. This research agreement covers
different assays or tests for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. This
collaboration project could potentially lead to the development of tests
using FIDIS(TM) technology and the CARIS(TM) sample preparation system.
MND's unique technology directly measures the presence of live viruses and bacteria in body fluids by detecting the specific enzymatic activity of microorganisms during replication. The activity of these enzymes on specific substrates triggers an emission of fluorescence. This makes possible differential diagnosis of not only of viral families but also of subtypes. Sophisticated bio-informatics analysis used by MND has enabled the company to design specific substrate sequences, which make the tests extremely accurate. The technology can be applied in many fields, including the diagnosis and identification of avian flu and its mutations.
The two companies have
signed a research agreement the objective of which is to demonstrate the
compatibility of MND and FIDIS technology. It should therefore lead to
the design of diagnostic kits able to be used on the automated
CARIS-FIDIS platform. FIDIS is a flow cytometer based on optical sorting
and fluorescent measurement of colored beads. The FIDIS system can be
connected to a Laboratory Information System, as well as to CARIS(TM),
the sample preparation system that automates the different analytical
steps. This multiparametric solution is suitable for any size of
laboratory, given the variety of products that can be used on the same
instrumentation systems. It caters for the diagnosis of both autoimmune
and infectious diseases.
Moreover, this unique automation system offers users a totally safe environment for analyses and gives results in a much shorter time than traditional methods. "The research agreement between MND and bmd will allow the two companies to offer better, faster and less costly methods of bacterial and viral analysis than those currently available," said Dr Patrick G. Poty, bmd's CEO. "bmd's ability to market 10-marker automated panels for autoimmune diseases augurs well for a mutually beneficial collaboration, and we have no doubt that we will be able to bring to market Multiplex tests that as yet do not exist for infectious diseases," declared Dr Dorit Arad, President of MND. About MND:
MND (Modules for Novel
Diagnostics) is a start-up company developing novel technologies based
on the use of Bio-informatics for designing artificial molecular species
with high specificity and reactivity to be used in Diagnostics. Focused
particularly on viral diseases, MND has already shown the feasibility of
its technology to create single-step, simple and fast viral assays.
About bmd:
bmd (BioMedical Diagnostics)
develops and markets advanced biological diagnostic tools for the
medical professions. The company boasts a unique combination of
experience, knowledge and understanding of the biological diagnostics
field. Founded in 1986, the company now holds a leading position in the
diagnostics market, offering a wide range of solutions in the fields of
autoimmune diseases (e.g. rheumatoid polyarthritis, lupus, thrombotic
disease), allergies (food-related, respiratory, pediatric), and
infectious diseases (viral pathologies, infectious mononucleosis,
bacterial angina). bmd also offers immunochemical tests for diagnosing
heart failure and other coronary problems.
FIDIS(TM) is bmd's flagship
product: developed from Luminex’ Xmap technology, in connection with
CARIS(TM), a front-end automation system, it enables high throughput
diagnostics of pathologies and represents a significant technological
leap forward in diagnostics.
Along with the development of its own products, bmd is involved in the manufacturing of products for other international distributors active across Europe, North Africa, Asia, Australia, Latin America and soon North America.
http://www.bmd-net.com
For more information please
contact:
Andrew Lloyd & Associates
Andrew Lloyd / Heidi Thompson
Tel: +44 1273 675100
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