Dade Behring Signs Manufacturing Licensing Agreement for FSAP
Dade Behring and Aventis Behring LLC have signed a license agreement that provides Dade Behring with worldwide in vitro diagnostic rights to any Aventis Behring inventions that relate to the factor VII activating protease (FSAP) and mutant forms of FSAP.
Described as the first marker to link coagulation disorders and arterial disease, FSAP has recently been recognized as a potent activator of prourokinase, which plays a major role in human fibrinolysis (clot degradation). Marburg I SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in FSAP has been shown to exist in 4% of the general population. One recently described mutant FSAP has shown promise as a significant and independent risk predictor for the progression of carotid stenosis.
While substantial research remains to be completed prior to the initiation of a development project for a routine assay, FSAP is the first marker described for arterial occlusion linking coagulation disorders with chronic diseases of the arteries. According to Dade Behring, further studies will be done to elucidate the role of FSAP beyond carotid stenosis as a potential marker in a variety of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
The agreement between Dade Behring and Aventis was made in order to develop the kinds of diagnostic tests that can lead toward the management of cardiovascular disease, the world’s leading health threat. The new marker combines the diagnostic areas of coagulation disorders and cardiac diseases, both areas in which Dade Behring is a prevalent market participant.
Contact: Dade Behring (847) 236-7038
| Alliance Formed to Market Donor-ID and Transfuse-ID Wyndgate Technologies, a division of Global Med Technologies, has joined forces with Healthcare-ID to market its software, which includes Donor-ID™ and Transfuse-ID™. The Donor-ID software will enable blood centers to take full advantage of automation in order to enhance operational efficiency. The goal is to provide a single source of donor data that covers all facets of the donation process, including registration, eligibility, health history, physical exam, and automated phlebotomy. Additionally, by providing a standardized compatibility label for Transfuse-ID, hospitals will be able to implement the patient-safety software quickly and safely. “Recognizing that many of our customers are considering Donor-ID to automate their donor collection process, Wyndgate can assist donor centers and hospitals in reaching their automation goals more quickly,” says Tom Marcinek, president and COO of Global Med Technologies. Healthcare-ID’s Transfuse-ID product provides additional patient identification safety features to help close the loop in the transfusion cycle and ensure transfusion of the blood product to the correct intended recipient. Contact: Global Med Technologies (303) 238-2000 |
Global Med Technologies and Lattice Seek to Enhance Security of Blood Transfusions
Wyndgate Technologies®, a division of Global Med Technologies® Inc signed an agreement with Lattice® Inc to market the transfusion module of their mobile applications software for handheld devices.
“Elimination of patient identification error is now at the forefront of the goals for health care facilities, particularly with the recent FDA ruling to require bar coding of all medications and biologicals,” says Peter Muzzy, president of Lattice. “This marketing agreement between Lattice and Wyndgate Technologies, will provide safety checks to help enhance the safety of blood transfusions through the expert technology that both companies deliver.”
According to Thomas Marcinek, president and COO of Global Med Technologies, Wyndgate designs systems with a focus on patient safety and quality. “This strategic alliance between the companies will carry that focus to the patient bedside where positive patient identification is most critical. The combination of Lattice’s leadership in providing mobile computing software with Wyndgate’s strong position in the blood bank industry permits both companies to meet health care’s current need to improve patient safety.”
Contact: Global Med Technologies (303) 238-2000
Scientific Industries Expands Web Site Capabilities
Scientific Industries Inc recently launched its redesigned Web site, located at www.scientificindustries.com and www.vortexgenie.com. The interactive Web site was designed in response to customer needs for increased product information and procurement options. The site will serve as a primary conduit for the dissemination of new product information and an educational resource for existing products. In addition, full e-commerce will be available to end users in the United States and Canada.
Scientific Industries manufactures and markets laboratory equipment, such as the Vortex-Genie® 2 Mixer. The company’s products are used by research laboratories, clinics, pharmaceutical manufactures, medical device manufacturers, and other industries.
Contact: Scientific Industries Inc (631) 567-4700
| Newly Identified Genes May Help Predict Outcome in Childhood Leukemia The measurement of new gene diagnosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), may be highly predictive of therapeutic outcomes, according to a study presented at the 45th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). The study also found that outcome predictors in Acute Leukemia 1 (OPAL 1), a fully-cloned human gene, have a strong predictive power to identify patients who may achieve remission or fail current therapeutic regimens for pediatric ALL. The findings will allow physicians to tailor therapies for children with leukemia. The ASH study results showed that 87% of the patients with ALL and high OPAL 1 achieved long-term remission. OPAL 1 also was highly predictive of a favorable outcome in T-cell ALL patients, and a similar trend was observed in infant ALL patients. Low OPAL 1 was associated with induction failure, while high OPAL 1 was associated with long-term, event-free survival, particularly males. Currently, treatments of chemotherapy and post-induction therapeutic intensification help 75% of children with ALL achieve long-term remission. Yet, 25% of patients relapse with resistant disease. Additionally, 25% of patients who receive dose intensification treatment are often over-treated and may be cured using less intensive regiments with fewer acute and long-term side effects. Contact: The American Society of Hematology (202) 776-0544 |
Thermo Electron Acquires Jouan SA
Thermo Electron Corp has acquired life science equipment supplier, Jouan SA. Both companies supply products used in academic, pharmaceutical, and biotech laboratories. The acquisition was completed for $137 million in cash, plus the assumption of $8.8 million of consolidated net debt.
According to sources from Thermo Electron, the addition of Jouan SA will provide its customers with a more comprehensive range of sample preparation products supported by a global sales and service network.
“We welcome the Jouan employees into our organization, and are excited about the opportunities that will come from combining our technologies and marketing strengths,” says Marijn Dekkers, president and CEO of Thermo Electron.
Contact: Thermo Electron Corp (508) 485-7000
 Blood Gas Site Now Includes Neonatology TrackOne year after launching its blood analysis Web site, Radiometer has expanded its www.bloodgas.org to include an information track on neonatology. The new track deals with the diagnostic and clinical aspects of blood gas testing and monitoring in neonates. According to Anne Skurup, editor of bloodgas.org, the new track aids in the pursuit of scientific knowledge. “The testing and monitoring of blood gases is an important part of neonatal care,” says Skurup. “But, because it is a niche area, nurses, doctors, and others working with neonatal care have to browse through numerous test sites to find the information they need. Our site offers answers to the most common questions encountered in daily work, and they are conveniently gathered in one location.” The Web site is the only one of its kind focused exclusively on blood gas. Most of the content on the site is provided by health care professionals specializing in the exclusive area of science. Contributed articles address a variety of issues, including quality assurance at the point of care and reduction of preanalytical errors, optimization of information management systems, and minimal handling in neonatal care. Registration to the site is free, and registered users can subscribe to a customized version of the quarterly electronic newsletter, bloodgas.today detailing issues of particular interest to them. Contact: Radiometer America Inc (800) 736-0600 |
Web Site Assists with Disaster Preparedness
Franek Technologies Inc has developed a Web site aimed at assisting laboratories with installing power protection safeguards for critical data in the event of a laboratory disaster. The site, www.franek-tech.com, highlights training materials for laboratory managers faced with assuring the operational integrity of their laboratories in the event of power fluctuations or extended power outages due to natural or man-made causes.
Through use of the site, laboratory managers are able to learn firsthand what is needed to protect their instrumentation. The brief assessment tool enables laboratory managers to identify and acquire the instrumentation-specific power protection solutions pertinent to their individual security needs. The tool currently contains more than 1,300 laboratory instrumentation systems and medical device applications representing more than 50 OEMs.
The heightened awareness of such a preventative Web site has come about due to a combination of recent events such as fear of terrorism, the recent failure of the northeast’s power grid, and even the destructive wildfires that took place in southern California during the fall of 2003.
Contact: Franek Technologies (714) 734-5656
| Universe Technology to Distribute CPC’s Products in China Colder Product Co (CPC), a provider of controlled performance connections to industrial, chemical, and laboratory markets, will have its products distributed in China by Universe Technology. Universal will act as a full-service distributor for CPC’s quick disconnect couplings and connection devices, serving the industrial market in Hong Kong and the Guangdong Province in China. The partnership enables CPC to meet increased customer demand for connection devices while providing service to its Chinese customer base. Based in Hong Kong, Universe Technology provides a range of products and services for fluid handling. The company will offer the complete line of CPC products, including three types of thermoplastic material, chrome-plated brass, and aluminum couplings with hose barbs, pipe thread and ferruleless compression terminations in panel mount, in-line or elbow configurations. In the future, CPC will expand its presence throughout China. CPC currently has a sales staff office in Hong Kong serving the Asia-Pacific region. Contact: Colder Product Co (651) 645-0091 |
JARIT to be Premier’s National Supplier
Premier Inc has selected Integra LifeSciences Holding’s JARIT® Surgical Instruments as its national supplier under the agreements of two, 36-month surgical instrument contracts. The contracts provide an opportunity for Integra to increase its customer base for general (open) and minimally invasive (endoscopic) surgical instruments, as well as offer Integra the potential to increase surgical instrument sales to Premier member hospitals and other Premier-affiliated health care facilities.
“We are pleased that Premier has awarded JARIT with contracts to supply its members with instruments used in general and minimally invasive surgery,” says Rob Rogowski, president of JARIT. “These agreements will provide Integra with the opportunity to offer surgical instruments to a broad audience.”
Premier is a strategic alliance in the United States, entirely owned by nearly 200 of the nation’s leading hospitals and health care systems. The organization provides resources supporting health and service delivery, including group purchasing for more than $17 billion annually in supplies and equipment.
JARIT Surgical Instruments provides reusable surgical instruments for general and minimally invasive surgery. Acquired by Integra in March 2003, JARIT provides its customers with innovative surgical instruments.
Contact: Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp (800) 654-2873
| Researchers Look to Decrease Reliance on Egg-Based Flu Shots Several companies, including Baxter Healthcare Corp, Chiron Corp, and Crucell, are investigating ways to make influenza vaccines that do not require chicken eggs. Since the development of the vaccine more than 30 years ago, eggs have been used to make the product. Each year, as many as 5 million people worldwide suffer severe flu-related illness. In addition, 250,000 to 500,000 persons die per year from complications associated with the flu. There is a growing fear within the medical community of a pandemic outbreak of influenza. As a result, scientists are expanding avenues of research to find vaccines that can be easily and quickly produced for all flu virus strains. The new research includes monkey, dog, and human cell fluids as possible replacements for the egg-based vaccine. Scientists are paying particular attention to such factors as development times, yield amounts, and safety concerns. According to Tom Redington, president of Redington Inc, the communications firm for Crucell, the current process of developing the vaccine is too lengthy and will prove detrimental in the event of an emergency. “The fact that the vaccine is manufactured using eggs doesn’t mean that scientists just go to the grocery store to obtain them,” says Redington. “The eggs used for the vaccine require a special setup process and numerous other logistical measures. The time associated with this process is extremely inefficient.” The current procedure requires one egg to make roughly three flu shots, if yields are satisfactory. Researchers are also concerned about the limited supply of suitable eggs needed to develop the vaccines. Scientists are looking at three avenues of cell-based systems to find a replacement to egg-based vaccines. The MBCK cell line, derived from the cell systems of dogs, is being researched by Chiron Corp. Researchers have found that the cells have a low yield, and some safety issues are yet to be resolved. Baxter Healthcare Corp is researching the effects of Vero, fluids from monkey cells. Thus far, Vero has provided significantly greater yields than fluids from dog cells, and has satisfied several safety issues. All three avenues of the research are yet to be completed; however available information suggests that the human cell system approach being conducted by Crucell may be the most advantageous, least toxic, and the highest yielding. Contact: Crucell 31-0-71-5248701 |
Esoterix Expands Menu of Products and Standardization Initiatives
With a focus on laboratory science, customer service, and innovative product offerings, Esoterix Inc has launched the first phase of its menu expansion and assay standardization initiative. The expansion requires less searching from customers fulfilling inventory needs.
Since the expansion, Esoterix has added more than 70 new assays and standardized more than 130 assay methodologies and associated instrument platforms. Esoterix’s test menu additions include tumor markers, electrophoresis, new endocrinology and chemistry testing, as well as a broad array of automated blood and urine assays.
“When we first began our operation, we did not foresee it going anywhere past the initial 1,000 or so offered tests,” says James McClintic, president and CEO of Esoterix.
“However, because of our formal bid process, we were able to document customer requests. As a result, we’ve become more aware of what types of tests are in high demand, and which ones are not pulling their weight. This process has allowed for tremendous growth for our product menu.”
Esoterix offers approximately 2,500 assays and profiles through its centers located in the United States and Western Europe. The company’s client base includes hospitals, physicians, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, reference laboratories, and managed care organizations.
“The response to the menu expansion has been very positive. At the end of the day, our growth percentages continue to be in the high teens,” adds McClintic. “We take note of what the market wants, and how it changes. This has allowed us to become one of the fastest growing laboratory service companies in the industry today.”
Esoterix’s extended menu, which includes allergy, coagulation, endocrinology, immunology, and infectious diseases, can be obtained at the company’s Web site, located at www.esoterix.com.
Contact: Esoterix Inc (888) 333-3952
| Integra Acquires Reconstructive Technologies Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp has acquired the assets of Reconstructive Technologies Inc (RTI), the developer of the automated cyclic expansion system (ACE System™). The ACE System rapidly expands tissue by stimulating the body’s natural response to physical stress on the skin. With more than 100,000 of these kinds of tissue expansion procedures done annually in the United States, Integra estimates that the current US market for devices that promote tissue expansion exceeds $80 million. RTI has demonstrated, in large animals, the potential of the ACE System to reduce the time required for tissue expansion. If the technology demonstrates similar effectiveness in humans, it could significantly improve the efficiency of tissue expansion procedures, benefiting both patients and reconstructive surgeons. “The ACE System, once cleared in the US, will be an important addition to our product offering for the burn and reconstructive plastic surgeon,” says Stuart Essig, Integra’s president and CEO. “Over the past five months, we have aggressively built the product offering of our plastic and reconstructive surgery sales force, as we acquired the assets of [RTI].” Integra estimates that there are more than 1 million reconstructive procedures performed by plastic surgeons each year. Reconstructive surgery, which is performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease, is most often used to improve function, but may also be performed to approximate a normal appearance. Since acquiring Reconstructive Technologies, Integra has assembled a product portfolio that includes implants, devices, instruments, and systems used in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and for the treatment of burns. Contact: Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp (800) 654-2873 |
EDAX to Acquire RAM Distribution
EDAX Inc, a division of AMETEK Processing and Analytical Instruments, signed an agreement with Roentgenanalytik Messtechnik (RAM) GmbH of Taunusstein, Germany that will enable EDAX to take over the distribution of RAM’s x-ray microanalysis (EDS) and electron diffraction (EBSD) products in Germany.
The current goal of the two companies is to make a seamless transition throughout the distribution takeover. “Those RAM employees involved with the EDAX product line will join the EDAX organization in Germany, so that sales and service of our products will continue without disruption,” says Alan Devenish, business unit manager for EDAX.
The EDS and EBSD products from EDAX have a valued reputation in the German market, which provides a solid foundation for growth of the combined business. The two companies share a 20-year relationship working together in many areas of the EDXRF product line. The new x-ray division of the EDAX organization in Germany is expected to increase its worldwide recognition.
Contact: EDAX Inc (201) 529-4880
| ECRI Selects Apelon Tool for UMDNS™ Development The nonprofit health services research agency, ECRI, has agreed to use Apelton’s Terminology Development Environment (TDE) modeling tool for ongoing development of ECRI’s Universal Medical Device Nomenclature System™ (UMDNS). The system is a standardized, computer-coding system for medical devices. The TDE technology is designed to improve the structure and consistency of UMDNS, and will enhance its interconnectivity with other standard vocabularies. The additions will support the clinical application of UMDNS, and make the nomenclature easier to integrate with a variety of health care information systems. UMDNS has been recommended as one of the core terminologies for electronic health records by the Committee of Data Standards for Patient Safety of the Institute of Medicine. The system currently has more than 5,000 users in 100 countries. UMDNS is continually updated and includes more than 6,500 preferred terms and nearly 7,000 additional entry terms for medical devices and materials, clinical laboratory equipment and in vitro diagnostics, disposables and supplies, selected hospital furniture, casework, and clinical equipment testing systems and instruments. Apelon’s TDE is used for the creation, evolution, and maintenance of structured terminologies. The system applies a form of description logic principles and procedures to ensure the consistency and integrity of formal technologies. Contact: ECRI (610) 825-6000 |
Dade Behring Receives Gold Award from eHealthcare Strategy and Trends
After a rigorous evaluation of more than 1,400 entries, Dade Behring was selected as the gold award winner for best e-Business Web site in the field of pharmaceuticals and medicine.
Throughout the 7-month process, 104 judges evaluated the quality and capabilities of each applicant’s Web site.
“During the evaluation process, judges take into account how a company’s Web site meets customer expectations and how it drives the firm’s business,” says Mark Gothberg, chairman of the eHealthcare Leadership Awards. “Applicants must go beyond having what we call a dry site—a Web site that contains information that can be found in the company’s brochure. We look for active operational aspects of the firm such as a company’s communication with its customers and how that firm uses its Web site to reduce operating costs.”
For the category of Best e-business, eHealthcare offers gold, silver, and bronze standings. Dade Behring’s site (www.dadebehring.com) offers detailed information for products, support, and services.
Shortly after receiving the eHealthcare gold award, Dade Behring announced it has elected to redeem $9.6 million in principal of its 11.91% senior subordinate notes due 2010. The redemption price of 111.9%, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed, will be paid early 2004.
Contact: Dade Behring (847) 236-7038
| Heart Testing Method is Becoming More Accessible to General Public Advanced heart testing technology used exclusively for professional athletes in the past is becoming a standard procedure in today’s public hospitals. Doctors are utilizing an old technique of measuring a patient’s exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, known as a ventilatory oxygen measurement test (VO2), in order to calculate resting metabolic rates. The VO2 testing enables physicians at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles to determine how many calories are needed by a patient to maintain or lose weight. Using this technology, doctors can create a highly personalized weight loss and exercise program based on an individual’s own metabolic rate. Before the test can be performed, physicians first screen patients to make sure there are no cardiac risk factors. A physiologist administers the test by attaching a neoprene mask over the patient’s mouth and nose. The mask is connected to a computer that measures the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Physicians can then calculate when the patient becomes anaerobic, or begins burning oxygen at a deficit. Color printouts provide charts and graphs to visually depict accurate readings of the individual’s resting metabolic rate. Based on these readings, physicians and counselors can create fitness and dietary programs customized to the patient’s own metabolism. “This is the most precise way to determine the intensity at which a person should exercise based on his or her fitness goals,” says Donna Polk, MD, assistant director of the Preventative and Rehabilitative Cardiac Center at Cedars-Sinai. “The newly designed VO2 test allows for the technology to be available to anyone embarking on a program to lose weight or achieve a higher level of fitness.” Previous generations of the VO2 technology were cumbersome and awkward, making the system impractical for use in general settings. Today’s VO2 technology has been miniaturized and is designed to be more portable. Contact: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (310) 423-3277 |
 RRI Formulates Research Plan for Hemodialysis TrialsThe Renal Research Institute (RRI) is in the design stage of a cooperative research agreement with two other organizations conducting clinical trials of hemodialysis. RRI, along with the University of California San Francisco and Wake Forest University, received a portion of a $10 million grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The three organizations will work to determine the potential medical benefits of more frequent dialysis for patients with end stage kidney disease. Over the next 4 years, the grants will enable researchers to examine the feasibility of randomization of patients to a more frequent dialysis schedule. Currently, the three grant recipients are working collectively to designate responsibilities for the research. “Members from the three organizations have been meeting regularly to plan how the study will go,” says Martin Kuhlmann, research lab director at RRI. “This is the first of many crucial steps. We can’t have all three centers off doing the same research. That kind of operation will not benefit the study.” Some aspects of the collaboration, such as the location of research sites, are yet to be decided. However, RRI has outlined its goals for the research, and has established a tentative schedule for the duration of the study. The organization plans to randomize patients to compare conventional hemodialysis with short daily and long nocturnal hemodialysis. The first year of the research will be devoted to protocol development. Patients will be followed for at least 6 months in the second and third years of the study, while the fourth year will be devoted to data analysis. The three organizations have begun the slow process of recruiting patients for the study. “Because the project is still in the developmental stage, awareness among patients at the three medical centers is not yet at the level where they are volunteering,” says Kuhlmann. “Right now, the greatest difficulty is obtaining randomized patients for the research.” RRI expects to accept its first patient for the study in the fall of 2004. Contact: Renal Research Institute (212) 360-4900 |
 NursesSTAT Responds to Health Care Professional ShortageDue to a nationwide shortage of nurses and increasing turnover rates, hospitals are being forced to rely on staffing agencies to fill vacancies. Early last month, NursesSTAT®, a division of iBX Group, acquired Healthcare Staffing, a New Orleans-based nurse staffing company. The transaction is expected to generate $600,000 in revenue for NursesSTAT during 2004. Healthcare Staffing will assist Florida-based NursesSTAT in providing temporary medical personnel, including RNs and LPNs, to more than 20 hospitals throughout the state of Louisiana. The agency will also assist with several long-term care placements throughout the state. “This acquisition will allow us to expand further into the growing market of the southeastern portion of the United States,” says Brian Virgo, managing director for NursesSTAT. “It will also give us a foot in the door at health care facilities in the area that may be interested in staffing administration services provided by NursesSTAT.” Contact: iBX Group Inc (561) 998-3020 |
Collaborative Agreement Between Third Wave and BML Extended
Third Wave Technologies has extended its multimillion dollar partnership with BML Inc of Tokyo for a minimum of 1 year. The companies will continue their collaboration to commercialize molecular diagnostic tests for infectious disease, genetic testing, and pharmacogenomics.
The two companies entered into the agreement in December 2000. Together, they developed the Invader® platform, a genetic analysis technology based on the natural and inherently accurate process of DNA repair. The platform provides distinctive accuracy, throughput, and ease-of-use compared to other analysis systems.
Third Wave’s Invader technology has enabled BML with develop products for molecular diagnostic testing and offer molecular diagnostic services to Japanese doctors and patients.
“BML’s expertise and large customer base in Japan is being accredited for the adoption of Third Wave’s Invader technology for molecular diagnostic testing,” says John Puisis, president and CEO of Third Wave. “We look forward to stepping up our joint efforts with BML.”
Contact: Third Wave Technologies (888) 898-2357
