IDH.L Regulatory News (IDH)

4 Jan 2007 07:00

Immunodiagnostic Systems Hldgs PLC04 January 2007 Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc Launch of new two new Growth Factor assay kits Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc ("IDS"), a leading producer of diagnostictesting kits for the clinical and research markets, announces the launch of twonew assay kits developed in collaboration with GroPep (now Novozymes-GroPepLimited) of Melbourne, Australia. The first is the new Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 (IGFBP-3) kit,a biomarker commonly used in conjunction with Insulin-like Growth Factor 1(IGF-1) in connection with control of growth, and more recently in determiningpredispositions to prostate cancer and breast cancer. The second product is anew high sensitivity IGF-1 kit. New IGFBP-3 kit The new IGFBP-3 kit is highly complementary to the existing IDS IGF-1 kit, inthat it is increasingly desirable for both biomarkers to be determined in thesame sample. IGFBP-3 binds (transports) most of the IGF-1 in the circulation, and thereforegoverns bioavailability of IGF-1 to the tissues. Historically, the majoractions of these factors were related to the control of growth, but morerecently, there is evidence that IGFBP-3 inhibits IGF-1-induced prostate cancercell growth, and can also promote the 'death' of breast cancer cells. The clear interplay between the concentrations of IGFBP-3 and IGF-1 in growthand now possibly in cancer, has increased demand by researchers and cliniciansfor such products, and this will continue as new fields of investigation arediscovered. The global markets for IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 are an estimated US$15mand $8m respectively, and the ability to offer both kits will enhance IDS' salesof each. New high sensitivity IGF-1 kit The second product launching is a specialist, high sensitivity kit for thedetermination of IGF-1 in mouse serum and plasma, or cell culture fluid. In thelaboratory only small volumes of sample are available, so the 5/1000-ths of amillilitre (5 microlitres) required with the new product will meet the needs ofthe academic and pharmaceutical researcher alike. The assay kits were developed by IDS through a joint venture agreement withNovozymes-GroPep Limited, who develop, produce and supply antibodies andantigens to IDS, who then develops and manufactures the assay kits. IDS has themarketing rights for the kits manufactured and sold under the agreement, withprofits being shared by both parties. Novozymes-GroPep is a world leader in the development, manufacture andcommercialisation of biologically active proteins for cell culture andbiomedical research. It has an active biopharmaceutical development programmethat establishes proof of concept for products in humans, and partners the laterstages of product development and marketing with major pharmaceutical companies. 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 these products is important in extending the range of growthfactor-related products we offer. The IGFBP-3 kit will sell into the growingclinical In Vitro Diagnostics market in its own right, but will also boost thesales of our existing IGF-1 kit. With prospective cancer studies ongoing, wewill be in a much better position to participate fully. We can now also developautomated versions of these two important biomarkers to go on the Biocode-Hycel3X3 instrument under the agreement announced on December 4th 2006, enabling usto target the larger reference laboratories in the future. The high-sensitivitymouse IGF-1 kit will emphasise to Pharma our intent to meet their specificneeds, and will raise our profile as a specialist supplier of analyticalsolutions to their problems." 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