Keeping you up to date on recent developments in diagnostics, including: Quantum nanodiamonds could improve disease detection; Field-friendly approach could aid in malaria control; Equine encephalitis’ entry elucidated.
CAJICA, Colombia – Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc., a point-of-care diagnostic company focused on infectious diseases, received the approval from Anvisa, the Brazilian health care surveillance agency, to distribute its tests in the Latin American market. The approval adds yet another test to the hundreds already approved in Brazil, where the market for such tests is quickly getting crowded sending prices down. Brazil is one of the countries most affected by COVID-19 with almost 6 million cases and 166,000 deaths, the third highest number of cases in the world.
Bluestar Genomics Inc. and the University of Chicago revealed the publication of a genome-wide 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) map across multiple human tissue types. In the report, published Dec. 2, 2020, in Nature Communications, the researchers detailed the development of the map by characterizing the genomic distributions of 5hmC in 19 human tissues derived from 10 organ systems.
Recent advances in biomarkers and imaging capabilities have improved the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Fujirebio Diagnostics Inc. aims to further expand the arsenal of AD diagnostics with its Lumipulse G β-Amyloid Ratio (1-42/1-40) in vitro diagnostic test. On Wednesday, the company said it had filed a 510(k) submission with the U.S. FDA for premarket clearance of the Lumipulse G β-Amyloid IVD.
Salient Bio launched a robotics-driven PCR test for COVID-19 with 99% for use in mass testing for the virus. The company says the "fastest ever" test notifies users of test results in less than a day and is priced to be cost effective for businesses. Salient plans to expand the number of tests utilizing the modular diagnostics platform in 2021 to include a range of pathogens. Even with vaccines on the horizon in the coming months, the London-based company expects brisk demand for its product.
PERTH, Australia – Melbourne-based Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is acquiring Scintec Diagnostics GmbH subsidiary Therapharm GmbH in a deal worth AU$33 million (US$24.24 million) plus royalties.
Zug, Switzerland-based Therapharm has developed a portfolio of radiolabeled diagnostic and therapeutic products, and the deal brings Telix a new targeting asset in hematology, Telix CEO Chris Behrenbruch told analysts during a Dec. 1 conference call.
TORONTO – The Fionet Rapid Response Group formed by Toronto’s Fio Corp. and Relay Medical Corp. has received COVID-19 lateral flow rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) from the European division of Abbott Laboratories Inc., Switzerland’s Roche Diagnostics AG and North York, Ontario’s Proprietary Innovation Labs Inc. for operation with its mobile testing and tracking platform.
HONG KONG – Singapore-based X-Zell Biotech Pte. Ltd. has emerged as the winner of the Medtech Innovator Asia Pacific 2020 Accelerator program, as determined by a live virtual audience vote. Winning the competition, organized by Medtech Innovator and the Asia Pacific Medical Technology Association (APACMed), earned X-Zell a $150,000 non-dilutive grand prize to advance its business goals and mission.