Re Acolyte Biomedica

31 May 2005 07:02

Angle PLC31 May 2005 For immediate release 31 May 2005 ANGLE plc Acolyte Biomedica launches BacLite(R) Rapid MRSA test ANGLE plc ('ANGLE') is pleased to announce that its venture company AcolyteBiomedica Ltd ('Acolyte') has successfully launched its BacLite(R) Rapid MRSA 'superbug' test and that Salisbury District Hospital takes delivery of the firstsystem today. The BacLite(R) system uses AK Rapid(R) technology developed by the DefenceScience and Technology Laboratories (Dstl), an agency of the Ministry of Defenceat Porton Down, Wiltshire. Giving same day results, the BacLite(R) Rapid MRSA test will allow hospitals toscreen patients and hospital workers for the presence of the superbug. Thisinformation will enable infection control teams to act quickly to preventhospital acquired infection. In the UK, the combination of high bed occupancy and very infectious strains ofthe superbug means that traditional screening methods are too slow for maximumeffect. Healthcare acquired infections, of which MRSA is the most significant,are estimated to cause 5,000 deaths in the UK each year. By being able to actquickly, hospitals can reduce significantly the incidence of mortality andmorbidity. In addition, MRSA costs the NHS around £1 billion per annum, soreducing the incidence of the infection will have a major financial impact. The final evaluation of the BacLite(R) system at three UK hospital laboratories,including Salisbury District Hospital, showed the test can achieve in five hourswhat current microbiological methods take two days to deliver. Conclusions tostudies illustrate the confidence that medical staff have when using BacLite(R)Rapid MRSA test information for admitting patients; the probability that anegative result was correct (negative predictive value) was over 99%. Commenting on the launch, Dr Bill Mullen, CEO of Acolyte said: "Identification of MRSA carriers is critical in overcoming the MRSA problem inour hospitals. We expect this test to offer a rapid and cost effective screeningmethod at an important time in the fight against MRSA." Andrew Newland, CEO of ANGLE said: "This launch is a significant milestone for Acolyte and underlines the highvalue of the technology and the clinical importance of such a testing system. Weat ANGLE are proud to have played a pivotal role in leading the development ofAcolyte and, in so doing, bringing this vital diagnostic technology to market. MRSA is just the first application of the technology, which in due course willbe applied to the diagnosis of a wide range of other serious infections." -ENDS- For further information ANGLE plc +44 (0)1483 295830Andrew Newland, Chief ExecutiveDawson Buck, Deputy Chief Executive Buchanan Communications +44 (0)20 7466 5000Suzanne 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 Ltd 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 employs 22 staff in its laboratories at Porton Down, Wiltshire, UK. Itswebsite is www.acolytebiomedica.com BacLite(R) MRSA is an instrument-based system for rapid and cost-effectivescreening of the most prevalent hospital-acquired infection. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange