BD gains EU approval for
Clostridium difficile diagnostic test
BD Diagnostics has gained EU approval for its GeneOhm Cdiff
molecular assay for the rapid diagnosis of patients with
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The test combines
high assay sensitivity with a rapid turnaround time of less than
two hours. 16 July 2008Vivacta gears up for pilot
manufacture of piezofilm assays
Vivacta is gearing up for pilot manufacture of its highly
sensitive, disposable piezofilm sensors for point of care (PoC)
diagnostics by acquiring an extra 6,000 sq ft of space within
its facility at Kent Science Park. 10 July 2008
New type of ultraviolet diode
could lead to compact anthrax detector
A new class of ultraviolet photodiode could make possible a
compact, reliable and cost-effective sensor to detect anthrax
and other bioterrorism agents in the air. 29 June 2008
Johnson & Johnson acquires
Swedish in vitro diagnostic technology company Amic
Johnson & Johnson Nordic AB, a Johnson & Johnson company, has
acquired Amic, a privately held Swedish developer of in vitro
diagnostic technologies for use in point-of-care and
near-patient settings. 19 June 2008
Multidetector CT scan can
detect dissolved drugs
The smuggling of dissolved drugs, especially cocaine, in bottled
liquids can be decreased with the use of multidetector CT
according to a recent study conducted at Bern University. 3 June
2008
Quest Diagnostics
collaborates with Google to provide diagnostic test results
online
Doctors can securely provide diagnostic data with a brief
explanation of test results to a patient's Google Health
account. The system is expected to empower patients and
physicians to collaborate more closely in making more
well-informed healthcare decisions. 3 June 2008
Siemens and LabCorp to
co-develop clinical diagnostic tests
Siemens Healthcare and Laboratory Corporation of America
Holdings (LabCorp) have announced that they are exploring
possibilities to co-develop new clinical diagnostic tests in the
areas of companion diagnostics, metabolic syndrome, oncology and
diabetes. 12 May
Cranfield University tries new
approach to TB diagnosis with breath test
A project to develop new technology for TB diagnosis will search
for markers given off in volatile gases, such as breath, and
program the data into existing portable devices, such as
artificial noses, to provide a new screening method for the
rapidly spreading disease. 29 April 2008
 First
3-D image of antibody gene
Scientists at the University of California, San Diego have shown
for the first time how a genome is organized in
three-dimensional space. They used a multidisciplinary mix of
geometry, biological research and techniques developed to solve
problems on supercomputers. 29 April 2008
Valdemar Hospital establishes
point-of-care testing system
The Valdemar Private Hospital in Ringsted, Denmark, has invested
in a point-of-care testing (POCT) service from Capio
Diagnostics. The service includes remote monitoring and
management of the POCT testing at the hospital from Capio
Diagnostics’ monitoring centre in the UK. 17 April 2008
Dutch molecular medicine
institute allocates €150m
for disease research
The Center for Translational Molecular Medicine (CTMM) in
Eindhoven has awarded €150
million of funding for nine research projects directed at the
most prevalent diseases in the cardiovascular area, cancer and
neurodegeneration. 7 April 2008
 Smart clothing with
fluid biosensors to monitor health
The European BIOTEX project has produced textiles with woven-in
miniaturised biosensors that can analyse body fluids such as sweat to
assess the wearer's state of health. 31 March 2008
New breast cancer test uses magnetic
nanoparticles to detect cancer cells
A team from University College London has developed a new medical device
called the ‘HistoMag’ that will make the early detection of breast cancer
more accurate, cost effective and easier to administer. 10 March 2008
Chest to distribute Aerocrine airway
inflammation detector in Japan
Swedish airway products company Aerocrine AB has entered into a distribution
agreement with Chest MI Inc to market and sell Aerocrine's Niox Mino in
Japan. 20 February 2008
DNA test for assessing risk of prostate
cancer
deCODE genetics has launched a test that can identify genetic markers
associated with increased risk of prostate cancer. The company believes the
test will better predict the risk of prostate cancer and help to optimize
both screening and treatment. 20 February 2008
Acrongenomics targets Molecular Vision's
microfluidics point-of-care diagnostics devices
Swiss technology investment group Acrongenomics, Inc. has announced an
agreement with with Molecular Vision and The Imperial Venture Fund to
acquire Molecular Vision by the end of the first quarter this year. 15
February 2008
 Smart
holograms help self-diagnosis for patients
Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiac problems, kidney
disorders or high blood pressure could benefit from the development of
sensors made from a new type of hologram. 4 February 2008
Roche increases diagnostics capability
with acquisition of Ventana
Pharmaceutical and diagnostics company Roche has bought US diagnostics
company Ventana Medical Systems for about $3.4 billion. 30 January
Summit on revolution in personalised
medicine caused by molecular diagnostics advances
Recent advances in genetic knowledge are transforming molecular imaging,
molecular diagnostics and informatics to create stunningly precise
diagnostic tools capable of assessing and treating a growing number of
critical diseases. The first international Molecular Summit on 5-6 February
will address this revolution in medicine. 30 January
Sysmex and bioMérieux form joint venture
for Japanese diagnostics market
Sysmex Corporation will take a 34% equity stake in bioMérieux Japan Ltd,
which will change its name to Sysmex bioMérieux Co Ltd. The new company will
market bioMérieux in-vitro diagnostics products Japan. 30 January 2008
Quidel and bioMérieux form alliance in
rapid diagnostics
Quidel Corporation and bioMérieux have formed an alliance to market products
worldwide and co-develop new rapid diagnostic tests using Quidel’s rapid
test development capability and bioMérieux’s extensive library of antibodies
and antigens. 16 January
Cepheid launches GeneXpert molecular
diagnostic system
Cepheid has begun shipment of its next generation GeneXpert self-contained
automated molecular analysis system. It automates and integrates DNA testing
and can test 60 targets in a single cartridge. 16 January
Siemens introduces MicroScan WalkAway plus
automated diagnostic systems
Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics has introduced the MicroScan WalkAway
plus Systems for mid- and high-volume clinical diagnostic microbiology
laboratories. They offer simultaneous automation of overnight, rapid and
specialty panels that test for both gram negative and gram positive
bacteria. 16 January
BD gains EU and US approval for rapid MRSA
test
BD Diagnostics has gained European approval for its BD GeneOhm StaphSR assay
for MRSA and SA in nasal and wound specimens and US FDA clearance to use the
test on positive blood cultures. The test can give results in two hours. 16
January
Glowing molecule detects prion diseases
An international team of researchers has developed a method of identifying
prion and other defective-protein diseases using a fluorescent molecule that
changes colour according to the disease present. 4 December 2007
 Breakthrough
in high sensitivity tuberculosis and malaria diagnosis
A new diagnostic system for detecting TB and malaria and suitable for use in
developing countries and remote areas has been developed by German company
Partec. The system combines Partec's battery-operated and mobile
fluorescence microscope with dedicated test kits developed by Merck. 4
December 2007
Quest Diagnostics' blood and herpes
point-of-care tests receive FDA clearance
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE:DGX) has announced that its HemoCue and
Focus Diagnostics subsidiaries have received FDA 510(k) clearance for two
new point-of-care test kits that could speed up the time for diagnosis and
allow doctors to make immediate decisions about treatment. 21 November 2007
 New
sensor detects bird flu in minutes
A new biosensor developed at the Georgia Tech Research Institute can
detect bird flu in just minutes. The biosensor is economical,
field-deployable, sensitive to different viral strains and requires no
labels or reagents. 17 October 2007 New
laser method helps detect hidden liquid explosives and disease
A new and powerful technique that can detect hidden liquid explosives
through common plastic containers and glass bottles has been demonstrated by
scientists from the UK's Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. 8 October.
 Cometary
spectrometer targets tuberculosis
A miniature
mass spectrometer system, designed for the analysis of samples of a comet on
the European Space Agency Rosetta mission is being adapted into a
cost-effective, rapid and accurate tool for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB).
8 October
Gene sequencing identifies virus as
possible cause of honeybee catastrophe
Researchers at Columbia University, in collaboration with 454 Life Sciences,
a Roche company, have identified a virus implicated in the deaths of
millions of honeybee colonies using the company's genome sequencer system. 1
October 2007 Molecular vision in
collaboration to produce diagnostic device
Geneva. Molecular Vision Ltd, an offshoot from Imperial College, London, has
teamed up with Acrongenomics Inc and design company Pearson Matthews Ltd to
develop a point-of-care medical diagnostic device for detecting kidney and
cardiac biomarkers. 4 July 2007
Cellestis launches online service for new
blood test for TB
Australian medical diagnostics company Cellestis has created a website to
provide worldwide information on the availability of its QFT test for TB. 3
July 2007
 Non-invasive
diabetes detector unveiled
VeraLight Inc. has introduced an experimental device that uses light-induced
fluorescence to detect diabetes-related biomarkers found in skin. 2 July
2007
 Bacteria
place nanoparticles in cells to aid diagnosis or treatment
The natural infection mechanism of bacteria can be used to deliver
nanoparticles carrying drugs, DNA or sensors into cells for precise
diagnosis or treatment of disease. 19 June 2007
DiaGenic developing blood test for
Alzheimer’s disease
Using peripheral blood as an easy-to-collect sample, the test detects a
'gene signature' of the disease. 11 June 2007
Inverness Medical Innovations and Procter
& Gamble set up consumer diagnostics company
Inverness Medical Innovations, Inc. and The Procter & Gamble Company have
completed their previously announced deal to form a joint venture for
consumer diagnostic products, SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH. 30 May
2007
Concentrating viral particles in electric
field could lead to rapid virus detector
Engineers in the US have solved a critical bottleneck in the transport and
capture of virus nanoparticles, making possible a device that could rapidly
sample and detect infectious biological agents, such as viruses. 9 May 2007
Sensor identifies trace samples of cells
and proteins in minutes
The sensor, which contains a millimeter-size cantilever, could have wide
applications in medical diagnostic testing, detecting contamination in food
products and monitoring for biothreat agents.
3M Health Care launches diagnostics unit
for rapid detection of infection
3M Health Care has created a new Medical Diagnostics business unit to
develop and commercialize rapid diagnostic products for detecting key
infectious pathogens such as MRSA and other treatment-resistant microbes. 28
March 2007
 Platinum-coated
nanotube biosensor detects glucose in near real time
Researchers at the University of Arkansas have fabricated a novel biosensor
that detects glucose in close to real time and with much greater sensitivity
than other comparable, biocompatible sensors. 21 March 2007
BioLED lab-on-chip technology to be
demonstrated at Imperial College, London
A demonstration version of the BioLED Lab On A Chip platform combining
microfluidics, organic semiconductor diodes and photodetectors will be
presented to a selected audience. 21 February 2007
3M takes over UK rapid diagnostics company
Acolyte Biomedica
The addition of Acolyte Biomedica allows 3M to expand more quickly into the
emerging market of infection prevention diagnostics, especially in Europe
where Acolyte Biomedica has a commercialized product for MRSA detection. 20
February 2007
Global molecular diagnostics market could
reach $92bn by 2016
The market will be driven by the addition of new tests in high-volume
testing areas coupled with the introduction of new instrumentation which
will provide greater ease, speed, and quality. 15 February 2007.
Rapid flu testing decreases antibiotic use
Rapid influenza testing is associated with reductions in the use of
antibiotics in hospitalized adults, according to a study published on
Archives of Internal Medicine online. 31 Jan 2007
US college wins grant to develop portable
device to detect bird flu and bioterrorism agents
The Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee has been awarded a five-year,
$8.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health’s Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to develop a rapid, miniaturized,
automated diagnostic device to test for avian flu and the majority of
potential bioterrorism agents. 23 January 2007
Roche Diagnostics launches cobas e 411
immunoassay analyzer
Roche Diagnostics has released its next generation bench-top immunoassay
analyzer, the cobas e 411 aimed at the low- to mid- volume immunoassay
market. 15 Jan 2007
Point-of-care diagnostics market to
surpass $16bn worldwide by 2010.
The demand for reduced costs and decentralized diagnostic testing in the US
is driving the market, according to research from Kalorama Information. 18
December 2006
Cepheid wins $14.9m contract from US CDC
for rapid detector of bird flu virus
Cepheid will develop a fully automated, self-contained test that will detect
the common forms of flu virus (influenza A/B) as well as H5N1 in about 30
minutes. 15 Dec 2006
Siemens' take over of Bayer Diagnostics
gains European approval
The €4.2 billion deal will allow Siemens' to combine its entire imaging
diagnostics, laboratory diagnostics and clinical information technology
value chain under one roof and create what the company claims is the world's
first full service diagnostics company. 3 Nov 2006
Akubio wins £800,000 grant to develop
electronic hand-held disease detectors
UK nanotechnology firm Akubio, has received a £826,000 government grant to
help develop its electronic technology for the rapid detection of viruses
and bacteria such as avian flu, E coli, malaria and meningitis. 24 Oct 2006
Electronic sensor to detect E coli
A sensor that can detect E coli bacteria within minutes by measuring changes
in frequency of vibration of the detector is being developed at Drexel
University in the USA. 24 Oct 2006
BD Biosciences releases flow cytometry
system for in vitro diagnostics use. 27 Sept 2006
 Disposable
glass microchip for large-scale screening of diseases
Researchers in Virginia have developed a disposable microchip that replaces
space-consuming instrumentation with fast, cost-effective, lab-on-a-chip
technology. The microfluidic device is suitable for large-scale screening of
disease-related biomarkers. 20 Sept 2006
 Silicon
'nanocantilevers' form ultrasensitive biological detectors
The tiny vibrating silicon structures created by researchers at Purdue
University vibrate at different frequencies when contaminants stick to them,
revealing the presence of dangerous substances. 12 Sept 2006
Bayer Diagnostics launches immunoassay
system. 8 Sept 2006
Paris University to study medical
applications of NanoArrayer
The Université Pierre & Marie Curie (UPMC) in
Paris is evaluating the BioForce Nanosciences NanoArrayer system. The
University will use the NanoArrayer to pattern proteins associated with cell
morphology establishment and migration. 24 August 2006
US approval for Abbott's fully automated
blood screening tests for hepatitis
Abbott has received approval from the US FDA for its Prism hepatitis B
surface antigen (HBsAg) and its Prism HBsAg confirmatory test. These tests
can be used to screen donated blood for HBsAg. 26 July 2006
 Liver
cells in silicon crystals screen drugs for toxicity
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have developed a
'smart petri dish' that could be used to rapidly screen new drugs for toxic
interactions or identify cells in the early stages of cancer circulating
through a patient’s blood. 20 June 2006
Avian flu virus detector on a chip
BioWarn has demonstrated the capability to instantaneously detect avian
influenza virus (H5N1), also known as bird flu, using its new SmartSense
system. This combines biochemistry with silicon chip technology to make a
molecular identikit system for pathogens and other materials. 12 June 2006
Nikon launches ultra sensitive camera
for molecular fluorescence imaging
Nikon Instruments has introduced the Nikon EMCCD Monochrome Digital Camera (DQC-FS),
an ultra high-quality camera specifically designed for low-level
fluorescence such as single molecule fluorescence, high speed calcium
imaging and live cell fluorescent protein imaging. 7 June 2006
Varian develops new probes for nuclear
magnetic resonance of solid materials
Varian has launched the FastMAS and UltraFastMAS probes for analysing solid
materials and the BioStatic probe for determining the molecular structures
of proteins and other biomolecules in a solid state. 6 May 2006
Bruker Daltonics obtains Russian
medical device registration for mass spectrometers
Bruker Daltonics has obtained registration of its complete MALDI-TOF product
line of mass spectrometers, and its ClinProRobot sample preparation
platform. This will allow the Institute of Physico-Chemical Medicine in
Moscow to develop a novel system for the identification and characterization
of clinically relevant microorganisms. 1 May 2006
Mass spectrometry used to detect
norovirus pathogen in clinical samples
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have demonstrated that proteomic
mass spectrometry has the potential to be used to identify viruses in
complex environmental samples. It has potential for use in biodefense and
public health preparedness. 25 April 2006
Rapid avian flu detection kits
Applied Biosystems has released its TaqMan Influenza A/H5 Detection Kit
for sale in in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is capable of rapidly and
reliably detecting multiple strains of avian influenza in laboratory
samples. 14 March 2006
Molecular imager for in-vitro imaging
of protein biomarkers in tissue sections and cell clusters
Bruker Daltonics has launched the MALDI Molecular Imager for
high-sensitivity imaging of the spatial distribution of protein biomarkers
in biological, pathology and other clinical research. 14 March 2006
Hybrid sensor technology to
revolutionize high-end spectroscopy
Princeton Instruments/ Acton has developedva hybrid sensor technology that
combines the key benefits of both CCDS and CMOS sensors to yield a dedicated
spectroscopy detector, that has unparalleled sensitivity and speed. 13 March
2006
Definiens launches automated image
analyser for cell-based assays
Definiens has released Cellenger, a set of workflow tools and modular
components for cellular image analysis based on cognition software developed
for remote sensing. 10 February 2006
Molecular diagnostics market shows fast
growth
Based on its exceptional ability to accurately detect the primary cause of
disease, molecular diagnostics has emerged as the fastest growing segment of
the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) industry. 11 January 2006
Nano-scale medical devices could be
wired with unravelled DNA strands
Ohio State University researchers have uncoiled DNA strands and formed them
into precise patterns. They could act as wires in biologically based nano-scale
electronic and medical devices. 18 December 2005
University of Leeds pathology unit
expands tissue scanning capacity
The University of Leeds Academic Unit of Pathology has increased its
capacity to scan slides of tissue samples by acquiring five Aperio ScanScope
virtual microscopy systems. These will support a broad array of initiatives,
including potentially enabling primary diagnoses to be made without
referring to the glass slide. 7 September 2005
Siemens takes over development of 'lab
on a chip'
Siemens is taking over the development of an award-winning electrochemical
biochip from its partners in the project. The transfer to Siemens involves
patents, a high-tech biochip lab as well as experts with the know-how of
silicon biochip manufacture. 23 June 2005
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