With a population of 1.3 billion and the world’s highest rate of economic growth, the potential uptake of high-throughput, diagnostic technology in China is considerable. It is therefore significant that the Company has been awarded a Certificate of Registration for the MicroStreak® applicator design. This applicator design patent is the first to be granted from LabTech Systems’ suite of intellectual property surrounding the MicroStreak® system. Other patents covering both the applicator and several key components of the automated robotic system are pending.
CEO and Managing Director of LabTech Systems, Lusia Guthrie, commented, “The Company’s intellectual property is its greatest asset. This Certificate of Registration from the Chinese Patent Office represents the first grant from our suite of MicroStreak® patents.”
She added, “Having our first MicroStreak® patent granted so soon after securing another milestone payment from bioMérieux (of approx $A1.74 million) puts LabTech Systems in an excellent position. Our automated pre-poured media streaker is well ahead of the competition, and the Company plans to defend that position with a robust IP strategy.”
About LabTech Systems LabTech Systems is an Australian developer of clinical and diagnostic technology. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, the Company was formed in 2004 and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange on 31 July 2006 (ASX: LBT). The current focus of the company is the commercialisation of its first product, known as MicroStreak®. In 2007, LabTech Systems signed an agreement with French diagnostics giant bioMérieux to commercialise and market this invention. MicroStreak® will comprise a central part of bioMérieux’s PREVI™ range of automated diagnostic laboratory equipment. Going forward, the Company intends to continue its track record of innovation while also fully exploiting its existing commercial relationships and intellectual property portfolio.
For more information, see www.labtechsystems.com. About MicroStreak® & PREVI™ Isola PREVI™ Isola is a patented, fully automated system for streaking biological samples onto agar plates, using LabTech Systems’ MicroStreak® technology. This development represents a significant leap forward in clinical microbiology. Plate streaking involves spreading a clinical sample, such as blood or a biopsy suspension, on a small plate lined with agar gel. Once colonies of bacteria grow to a sufficient size, scientists can identify them and diagnose the patient’s disease.
Traditionally, agar plates are streaked by hand, in a time-consuming process that is prone to human error and variation between samples. Using the MicroStreak® disposable applicator, the PREVI™ Isola robotic streaking system is capable of processing 180 plates per hour, which is significantly faster than an experienced human technician. Published scientific research has shown that the MicroStreak® system is not only much faster and more efficient than the traditional method, but also produces superior results, with higher yields and better colony diversity.
Except for historical information, this news release may contain forward-looking statements that reflect the Company’s current expectation regarding future events. These forward looking statements involve risk and uncertainties, which may cause but are not limited to, changing market conditions, the establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s ongoing quarterly and annual reporting.
Contacts LabTech System
Media Relations Lusia Guthrie CEO & MD Tel: +61 (0)8 8362 2698 lusia@labtechsystems.com
Anthony Hasseldine Consultant, Talk Biotech Tel: +61 (0)406 930 369 anthonyhasseldine@talkbiotech.com.au
