IDH.L Regulatory News (IDH)

11 Jan 2008 07:01

Immunodiagnostic Systems Hldgs PLC11 January 2008 Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc ("IDS" or "The Group") Launch of unique rat/mouse PINP assay for pharmaceutical, clinical and academic research organisations. Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc ("IDS"), a leading producer of diagnostictesting kits for the clinical and research markets, announces the launch of theworld's first assay for Rat/Mouse Type I procollagen amino-terminal propeptide(PINP), a biomarker for bone formation. Determining the level of PINP in serum is of particular value in monitoring theefficacy of expensive bone therapies. Previously it was not possible toquantitate PINP in rats and mice, which are the main subjects used by thepharmaceutical industry, and so this assay will greatly aid in the assessment ofnew osteoporosis drug candidates in pre-clinical studies and in fundamentalcancer research by pharmaceutical, biomedical and academic researchorganisations. This new product has already been well received in pre-release evaluations.Customers particularly value the sensitivity and specificity of the method. Avery small sample is required and it has total specificity for rodent PINP(human PINP is not recognised). The PINP biomarker product can now be used with other highly complementaryassays already in the IDS range for research into bone disease and cancer. Theavailability of this assay could potentially give new insights and breakthroughsin the bone disease and cancer markets. 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 Cancer Research. Dr Roger Duggan, Managing Director of IDS, said: "This unique product fills a longstanding gap in the armoury of researchersseeking to understand the mechanisms of bone formation, and will aid in theidentification of modulators of the growth of bone and of bone metastases. Thelaunch of rat/mouse PINP also restates the commitment of IDS to the field ofBone & Skeletal biology and our ability to meet the needs of 'big Pharma'. On adifferent level, the launch is particularly pleasing for IDS, as it representsthe first successful launch of a new analyte developed by a Finnish consultant,in association with our subsidiary, SBA Sciences, acquired in 2005." Enquiries:Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc Parkgreen Communications LtdDr. Roger Duggan, Managing Director Paul McManusTel: 0191 519 0660 Tel: 020 7851 7480www.idsltd.com Mob: 07980 541 893 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange