IDH.L Regulatory News (IDH)

4 Dec 2006 07:02

Immunodiagnostic Systems Hldgs PLC04 December 2006 Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc Exclusive automation agreement with Biocode-Hycel Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc ("IDS"), a leading producer of diagnostictesting kits for the clinical and research markets, announces that is has signedan exclusive agreement with automated laboratory testing platform producerBiocode-Hycel. Under the terms of the agreement IDS will have exclusive rights to develop boneand skeletal biomarkers for Biocode-Hycel's new automated laboratory analyser,the 3X3, along with a licence to sell the instrument directly into the UK, USA,Germany and France. The new 3X3 machine, which combines immunoassay and clinical biochemistry,represents the latest in a line of advanced instruments of robust designwell-suited to the demands of high throughput laboratories. This agreementallows IDS to enter the fully automated immunoassay market selling products forthe first time to large reference laboratories that typically analyse severalthousand tests a day. The first tests to be available for the 3X3 will be IDS's flagship 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) tests due to be launched in the secondhalf of financial year 2007/08. The PTH and 25-hydroxy vitamin D markets areestimated at more than $40m and $30m respectively, and the ability to addadditional biomarkers such as TRAP 5b, Bone-Specific Alkaline Phosphatase,Osteocalcin and IGF-1 in the future will create an unparalleled platform forlaboratories of all sizes. Dr Roger Duggan, Managing Director of IDS, said: "IDS has gained a leading position in its core field of Vitamin D, producingproducts primarily for manual use by Clinical Biochemists and pharmaceuticalresearchers. With this deal our most successful products will be available on anew state-of-the-art instrument and for customers that require much highervolumes. "We anticipate placing a significant number of these machines within the first 3to 4 years, and every instrument placed will represent an ideal opportunity to 'up-sell' new products as they reach the market." Enquiries: Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc Parkgreen Communications LtdDr. Roger Duggan, Managing Director Paul McManusTel: 0191 519 0660 Tel: 020 7493 3716www.idsltd.com Mob: 07980 541 893 Editor's notes: Biocode was established as a biotechnology company in Liege, Belgium inSeptember 1989, and acquired Hycel Diagnostics, a French company specialising inlaboratory automation, in 2000. Website: www.biocode.be This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange