PALO ALTO, Calif., April 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan's recent analysis of the in vitro diagnostics market selected bioMerieux, Inc. as the recipient of the 2006 Technology Innovation Award in the field of in vitro diagnostics in recognition of its development of the novel NucliSens(R) easyMAG(TM) platform, a breakthrough technology in the field of molecular diagnostics. This technology represents a next generation sample preparation platform for automated total nucleic acid extraction (DNA and RNA) from clinical samples.
Molecular biology has generated abundant opportunities for the diagnostics industry. The prospects include the facilitation of the detection of life- threatening diseases in emergency situations and better identification of harmful bacteria or viruses that may go undetected by traditional methods.
bioMerieux has focused its research efforts on gaining proficiency in the three key steps of molecular diagnostics -- extraction, amplification, and detection. It has used this expertise and the proprietary (patented) BOOM(R) technology to develop the NucliSens easyMAG nucleic acid extraction technology platform.
"The BOOM technology combines the lysing and nuclease-inactivating qualities of chaotropic salt buffer with the nucleic acid binding quality of silica," says Frost & Sullivan senior research analyst Sachin Thukral. "This chemistry has become the de facto gold standard in the industry due to its overall flexibility and ability to provide pure, high-quality nucleic acid."
The chemistry can also be uniformly applied to a broad variety of sample types such as plasma, serum, whole blood, stool, urine, cerebro-spinal fluid, tissues, cell cultures and respiratory specimens.
The NucliSens easyMAG is a key extension of bioMerieux's nucleic acid isolation offering using NucliSens magnetic extraction chemistry. This is an enhanced version of BOOM technology that features the use of magnetic silica along with a series of highly optimized buffers. This flexible extraction method has demonstrated the ability to deliver nucleic acid of very high quality on a manual level with the NucliSens miniMAG(TM) and it exhibits that same consistent performance on bioMerieux's new innovative automated platform.
The easyMAG system is built upon a simple and robust design with enhanced accessibility and reliability, allowing for minimal use of disposables and on- board extraction buffers. These buffers are bar coded for easy identification to the system and their remaining volumes are continuously monitored from run to run.
"A hallmark of the system is highly intuitive graphical software operated via a touch-screen interface," notes Thukral. "This user friendly software combined with rapid bar coding simplifies the management of samples, reagents and disposables as the user is guided through each run. The easyMAG software provides complete process tracking from the biological sample to the final elution of nucleic acid."
The system is flexible in allowing up to 24 samples of various input volumes (up to 1 ml) and types to be processed simultaneously. In addition, there are workflow options for accommodating primary or pre-lysed samples. Flexibility is further maximized with users being able to select different elution volumes across adjacent samples in the same run. Streamlined workflow and swift instrument operation enable processing of a 24-sample run in one hour or less.
In summary, Frost & Sullivan's 2006 Award for Technology Innovation recognizes bioMerieux's development of the innovative NucliSens easyMAG system that provides speed, stylistic design, and superior quality of performance, representing a next-generation solution in the field of molecular diagnostics.
Each year, this Award is presented to a company that has carried out new research that has resulted in innovations that has or is expected to bring significant contributions to the industry in terms of adoption, change, and competitive posture. This Award recognizes the quality and depth of a company's research and development program as well as the vision and risk taking that enabled it to undertake such an endeavor.
About bioMerieux
bioMerieux is a leading international diagnostics group that specializes in the field of in vitro diagnostics for clinical and industrial applications. bioMerieux designs, develops, manufactures and markets systems (i.e. reagents, instruments and software) used in:
Clinical applications: the diagnosis of infectious diseases such as hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis and respiratory illnesses, as well as pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer, based on the analysis of biological samples (such as blood, saliva or urine); and
Industrial applications: the microbiological analysis of food, environments (such as water and air), surfaces and pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, based on the analysis of product or environmental samples. In 2005, bioMerieux sales reached 994 million euros. The company is present in more than 130 countries through 35 subsidiaries and a large network of distributors, which positions the company well to benefit from the growth potential of the in vitro diagnostics market. Some important drivers that underpin this growth are aging populations and age-related illness, illnesses related to life-style and eating habits, emerging new pathogens, the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the fight against bio-terrorism, the recognition of the importance of the quality of food products. bioMerieux is listed on the Eurolist of Euronext, Paris (FR0010096479 -- BIM). Other information can be found at http://www.biomerieux.com .
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit http://www.awards.frost.com or http://www.healthcare.frost.com .
Contact: Stacie Jones 210.247.2450 Stacie.jones@frost.com
Frost & SullivanCONTACT: Stacie Jones of Frost & Sullivan, +1-210-247-2450, orStacie.jones@frost.com
