Joint Research Programme

10 Jun 2005 07:01

Angle PLC10 June 2005 For Immediate Release 10 June 2005 ANGLE plc Acolyte Biomedica in joint research programme with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service ANGLE plc ('ANGLE') is pleased to announce that its venture company AcolyteBiomedica Ltd ('Acolyte') has entered into a joint research programme with theScottish National Blood Transfusion Service ('SNBTS'). The objective of theprogramme is to establish the suitability of Acolyte's proprietary AK Rapid(R)technology in the rapid and highly sensitive detection of bacterialcontamination within blood platelets. Under the agreement, both parties will collaborate and share resources in orderto develop a version of Acolyte's BacLite(R) diagnostic test system which hasthe potential to detect bacteria in platelets within 2-4 hours, thusdramatically improving the current testing time which can take several days.Sensitivity and speed of result are critically important because donatedplatelets routinely have a shelf life of only 5 days and must be stored atambient temperature. For those rare units that may be contaminated with bacteriathe need to store at room temperature promotes bacterial growth. Testing at thetime of preparation may not detect low levels of bacteria. There are more than 4 million platelet transfusions worldwide per annum eachplaying a critical role for leukaemia sufferers, patients with bone marrowfailure and those undergoing post transplant and chemotherapy treatments. Acolyte launched its first commercial application of the AK technology in itsBacLite(R) Rapid MRSA screening test last month. Adenylate Kinase (AK) is aconstitutive enzyme present in all micro organisms and its detection provides auniquely sensitive test perfectly suited to the platelet contamination role. AKtechnology was originally developed by the UK based Defence Science andTechnology Laboratory (Dstl) and Acolyte has been granted an exclusive licenceto exploit the technology in the field of clinical diagnostics. If successful, the parties have stated their intention to extend the researchcollaboration into a full product development. The investigators are: - JurajPetrik (lead), Lisa Jarvis and Marisa Chongkwan from SNBTS and Steve O'Hara(lead) and Marc Green from Acolyte. Dr Tim Coombs, Chairman of Acolyte commented: "There is a clear worldwide need for rapid and highly sensitive detection ofbacterial contamination in platelets. SNBTS brings a wealth of experience andexpertise in the processing and testing of blood components. Acolyte can providea new detection technology which promises dramatic reductions in the time toresult. Together we offer the best prospect of delivering a practical and costeffective solution to a pressing healthcare need." Mr Keith Thompson, SNBTS National Director said: "Blood services around the world are all faced with the same challenge: how canwe reduce the risk of platelet contamination and maintain a supply of freshplatelets? We are pleased to be working with Acolyte on this new and excitingtechnology. The benefits of success will be enormous with improved safety andavailability of platelets for patients." Andrew Newland, CEO of ANGLE added: "The SNBTS has recognised the potential for Acolyte's AK Rapid Technology asbeing an integral part in the treatment of patients who depend on bloodcomponent transfusions, including those suffering from leukaemia, bone marrowfailure, post transplant and chemotherapy treatments. We at ANGLE are proud tohave played a pivotal role in leading the development of Acolyte and, in sodoing, making available this vital diagnostic technology." -ENDS- For further information ANGLE plc +44 (0)1483 295830Andrew Newland, Chief ExecutiveDawson Buck, Deputy Chief Executive Buchanan Communications +44 (0)20 7466 5000Richard Darby Suzanne Brocks, James Strong Note to editors: ANGLE Founded in 1994, ANGLE is an international venture management and consultingcompany focusing on the commercialisation of technology and the development oftechnology-based industry. ANGLE creates, develops and advises technologybusinesses on its own behalf and for its clients. ANGLE is listed on AIM(AGL.L); further information can be found on www.ANGLEplc.com Acolyte Biomedica was founded in February 2000 by ANGLE and is 1 of the 8venture companies developed under ANGLE's Progeny(R) programme to date. Dr BillMullen, Acolyte's CEO is a former ANGLE senior executive. Acolyte signed itsfirst agreement with Dstl (then DERA) later that year. The Company has receivedUK Government and venture funding from ANGLE, BioProjects International, PortonCapital and Partnerships UK. ANGLE retains a 10.9% equity holding in Acolyte. Acolyte's platform ('BacLite(R)') allows microbial detection in hours instead ofdays, with the potential to reduce hospital costs and improve management ofmicrobial infections. The BacLite(R) system is unique within infectious diseasediagnostics, providing accelerated culture based detection of micro-organismsdirect from clinical specimens. The technology built into the BacLite(R) system was originally developed byDstl, a division of The UK Ministry of Defence. AK Rapid(R) technology exploitsthe bioluminescent detection of Adenylate Kinase for ultra sensitivemicro-organism detection. Acolyte has the exclusive license to AK Rapid(R)technology for clinical microbiology and benefits from an ongoing collaborationwith Dstl. Acolyte employs 22 staff in its laboratories at Porton Down, Wiltshire, UK. Itswebsite is www.acolytebiomedica.com SNBTS The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service is the specialist provider oftransfusion medicine in Scotland, supplying high quality blood, tissues,products and services. As such, it is a science based organisation with over 60clinical and research scientists and supplies over 200 products for theinternational healthcare market. These products include, blood groupingreagents, haematology products and performance and proficiency controls. Inaddition, a range of contract manufacturing services is offered to thebiotechnology and diagnostics industry. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange