08/10/06

A new name has entered the field of point-of-care diagnostics: Vivacta. Formerly Panopsys, the company changed its name to reflect the transition from a start-up with an interesting potential technology, into a diagnostic business with strong venture capital funding.

This move is being used to support the company’s development and marketing of its first commercial system. Presented as a handheld reader with disposable cartridges employing Vivacta’s patented Piezoelectric film technology, the system can be used for the rapid detection and quantification of markers in binding assays, including broad repertoires of immunoassays as well as gene-based tests. The speed and simplicity of the technology enable point-of-care applications. The technology also offers a level of sensitivity that is normally available only for large laboratory platforms.