23 Jul 2009 09:24
23 July 2009
Source BioScience plc (`Source BioScience', `the Company' or `the Group') Source BioScience extends agreement with Cervical Screening Wales
Source BioScience plc , the provider of expert, quality services to the healthcare, pharma biotech and life science research sector, is pleased to announce an extension to the existing agreement to supply cytology services and automated imaging technology to Cervical Screening Wales ("CSW").
HIGHLIGHTS
* Contract to supply liquid based cytology equipment and reagents extended for a further 12 months * Cervical Screening Wales to extend its assessment of the FocalPoint automated cytology imaging system * Revenue of 0.9 million over the next 12 months from these agreements
CSW has exercised its option under the existing cytology supply agreement with Source BioScience to extend the period of the agreement for a further 12 months. Under the terms of the original Official Journal of the European Union ("OJEU") tender agreement dating back to 2004, at the end of the initial 5 year term CSW is entitled to extend the agreement for a further 12 months on substantially the same commercial terms.
CSW has also extended its assessment of the FocalPoint automated imaging platform for a further 12 months. This will enable CSW to generate a significant amount of data regarding the clinical utility of the automated imaging platform and determine its role in the future of cervical screening in Wales.
With over 3.5 million slides manually screened for cervical cancer every year in the UK, and with each screener looking at a maximum of 30 slides per day, cytology lends itself to automation. The Government has recently concluded a Health Technology Assessment of FocalPoint as a primary screening tool and the results of that assessment are due to be published later this year.
Dr Nick Ash, Managing Director of Source BioScience said: "The decision of CSW to extend the liquid based cytology supply agreement represents a significant vote of confidence in the service and support that Source BioScience provides.
"Additionally, the extension, on a commercial basis, of the assessment of FocalPoint as an effective quality assurance tool represents a significant investment by CSW. This also demonstrates the commitment of both CSW and Source BioScience in moving forward with automated imaging. This commitment underlines the effectiveness and efficacy of the FocalPoint automated cytology system not only as a potential primary screening platform but also as a valuable Quality Assurance tool."
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For further information, please contact:
Source BioScience plcDr Nick AshManaging DirectorTel: 0115 973 9010www.sourcebioscience.comBishopsgate CommunicationsNick Rome / Gemma O'HaraTel: 0207 562 3350
www.bishopsgatecommunications.com
About Source BioScience:
Source BioScience plc is a highly focused healthcare and biotechnology company offering expert, quality services and products to the healthcare, pharma biotech and life science research sectors. Its Healthcare operations provide screening and reference laboratory diagnostic testing for cancer and other diseases and additional predictive testing for treatment optimisation for clinicians and patients. Pharma Biotech Services offers support for early stage therapeutic development, offering a 'one-stop shop' from tissue pathology, immunohistochemistry, sophisticated image analysis, biomarker determination and assay development to pharmacogenomics including genotyping and gene expression analysis. Life Science Research services provide core laboratory research support from conceptualization to implementation, calling upon a wide range of cutting-edge technology platforms including an online catalogue of biomolecular tools. This incorporates DNA sequencing, whole genome amplification and a comprehensive library of genomic reagents and clones including cDNA and RNAi, as well as facilitating rapid access to high quality antibodies, cell cultures, diagnostic assays for cancer and other genetic testing, and related research tools.
The Group has its headquarters in Nottingham, UK where it operates state of the art reference laboratory facilities, with additional UK laboratory facilities in London, Cambridge and Oxford. Source BioScience is CPA, GLP and GCP accredited and is licensed by the Human Tissue Authority.
Further information about Source BioScience can be found at www.sourcebioscience.com
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