IDH.L Regulatory News (IDH)

13 Sep 2006 07:00

Immunodiagnostic Systems Hldgs PLC13 September 2006 Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc Launch of new Growth Factor assay kit Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc ("IDS"), a leading producer of diagnostictesting kits for the clinical and research markets, announces the launch of anew assay kit developed for Australian based GroPep Ltd's Cell Culture business. The kit provides a faster and more accurate way to measure GroPep's growthfactor supplement which is used in the industrial manufacture ofbiopharmaceuticals. It is a regulatory requirement that GroPep's customersmeasure this growth factor supplement in their manufacturing processes. GroPep is a world leader in the development, manufacture and commercialisationof biologically active proteins for cell culture and biomedical research. It hasan active biopharmaceutical development programme that establishes proof ofconcept for products in humans, and partners the later stages of productdevelopment and marketing with major pharmaceutical companies. The assay kit was developed by IDS through a joint venture agreement with GroPepLimited, which is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX: GRO). Under theagreement GroPep develops, produces and supplies antibodies and antigens to IDSwho then develops and manufactures the assay kits. IDS and GroPep will sharethe marketing rights for the kits manufactured and sold under the agreement. IDS designs, develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of immunoassaykits, and is particularly active in the field of Bone & Mineral metabolism witha growing presence in the field of Growth Factors. Dr Roger Duggan, Managing Director of IDS, said: "The launch of this product is an important stage in growing our relationshipwith GroPep, and delivers a product targetted specifically for the Biotech andPharma markets, rather than the research and clinical markets we more usuallyaddress. Availability of this unique product will raise our profile with theselarge, corporate clients, in an otherwise difficult sector to penetrate. Futuresales will make a valuable contribution to Group sales which, as disclosed atour recent AGM, are for the first four months of the financial year in line withexpectations, having increased by 28% on the same period last year." Enquiries: Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc Parkgreen Communications LtdDr. Roger Duggan, Managing Director Paul McManusTel: 0191 519 0660 Tel: 020 7493 3713www.idsltd.com Mob: 07980 541 893 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange