IDH.L Regulatory News (IDH)

18 Jun 2007 07:02

Immunodiagnostic Systems Hldgs PLC18 June 2007 Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc IDS Signs-up for the Development of Novel Calcium/Cardiac BioMarker Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc ("IDS"), a leading producer of diagnostictesting kits for the clinical and research markets, announces a new agreementwith an international collaborator for the future development of immunoassaykits. IDS has reached agreement with VitaK BV of Maastricht, The Netherlands, todevelop a commercial quantitative test for a biomarker known as Matrix-GLAProtein (MGP) in human serum. A highly-specific and biologically-active form ofMGP was discovered by scientists at VitaK (a 'Spin-Out' company from theUniversity of Maastricht) and its determination for diagnostic purposes is nowpatent-protected. MGP is produced mainly in cartilage and the walls of blood vessels, where itsrole appears to be the prevention of calcification (e.g. the hardening ofarteries)*. Inappropriate calcification can give rise to diverse circulatorydiseases such as coronary artery disease and calciphylaxis. The ability tomonitor serum levels of MGP will provide a valuable tool to the physicianwishing to monitor a patients' predisposition to inappropriate calcification andmodify therapy accordingly. Dr Roger Duggan, Managing Director of IDS, said: "There can be no complacency in the search for biomarkers that may deliverearlier and more accurate diagnosis of disease. Earlier diagnosis reduces costof treatment and can greatly improve patient prognosis. With this agreement,IDS signals its determination to remain at the forefront of specialist productsfor the investigation of Bone & Calcium disorders, with the added potential ofentering the area of cardiac markers, a most important sector in the global InVitro Diagnostics market." * Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis & Vascular Biology, 25, 1629-1633 (2005) Enquiries: Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc Parkgreen Communications LtdDr. Roger Duggan, Managing Director Paul McManusTel: 0191 519 0660 Tel: 020 7479 7933www.idsltd.com Mob: 07980 541 893 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange