14.08.07
New syphilis test provides quicker and easier diagnosis

Lab21 Healthcare, part of the Lab21 Group has developed a new diagnostic test for syphilis which is rapid, accurate and easy to use.

The new syphilis IgM antibody test uses recombinant antigens, which have a high level of sensitivity, and reduce the risk of false positive results.. In addition the test can be performed in as little as two hours.

Dr Jerry Walker, CEO of Lab21, commented: “The availability of this product with the other syphilis reagents in Lab21 Healthcare portfolio means we can now supply the complete range of syphilis testing diagnostics. This new diagnostic will be of enormous benefit to healthcare providers in the diagnosis and monitoring of the treatment at all stages of disease. This reinforces Lab21’s position as a leading global supplier of syphilis immunodiagnostics.”

The assay’s primary function is to detect IgM antibodies which are particularly useful for detection of primary infections but can also be used in differential diagnosis of syphilis pathology.

Dr Christian Goodwin, Head of Immunoassay Development at Lab21 Healthcare added: “Using the experience that we have accumulated in immunodiagnostic assay development we have designed this test so that it is particularly easy to use, is easily automated and, unlike the major competitor assays, can directly measure IgM syphilis antibodies without the requirement for sample pre-dilution.”

The availability of this product with other syphilis reagents means that the Company now supplies the complete range of syphilis testing diagnostics, allowing the diagnosis and monitoring of treatment at all stages of disease.

For more information or to order the new test kit (Product No: 60117 96-tests), call Lab21 Healthcare at +44 (0)1223 395450.

Notes to editors

About Lab21 Healthcare
Lab21 Healthcare has specialised in the development and production of high quality immunodiagnostics for infectious diseases since 1994. Their tests are used globally to screen blood samples for infectious diseases including syphilis and malaria.

About Lab21 Ltd.
Lab21 is a leading provider of cutting edge diagnostics, supporting drug discovery, healthcare and environmental monitoring. Its customers include healthcare providers, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in addition. The Company supports organisations that need to monitor their impact on the environment.

Lab21 has a rapidly growing portfolio of diagnostics to support early stage drug development, clinical trials and regulatory processes in the pharmaceutical industry. A key function is the support of clinicians and healthcare providers as they treat and monitor patients.

The company’s products include diagnostic tests for cancer, liver disease, respiratory illnesses and infectious diseases such as syphilis through its subsidiary Lab21 Healthcare. Its pharmaceutical support services, which focus on anti-viral programmes, include lead identification and optimisation of targets, drug resistance profiling, mode of action studies, and drug combination studies.

The Lab21 group includes Lab21 Ltd, a new force in molecular diagnostics, specialising in the provision of technically advanced molecular services relating to personalised medicine and healthcare diagnostics. Lab21 Environmental specialising in the development of environmental monitoring instruments, and Lab21 Healthcare, which specialises in the development and production of high-quality immunodiagnostics for infectious diseases.

Website: www.lab21.com

Contacts at Lab21:

Media relations for Lab21:
Northbank Communications
Tony Stephenson, Account Manager
Sue Charles, CEO
Claire Mosley, Account Executive
t : +44 (0) 20 7268 3002
e: lab21@northbankcommunications.com

At Lab21:
Dr Jerry Walker, CEO
t : +44 (0)1223 395450
e: Jerry.Walker@lab-21.com

Dr Berwyn Clarke, CSO
t : +44 (0)1223 395461
e: Berwyn.Clarke@lab-21.com