AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, February 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Primagen Holding BV, The Netherlands, an emerging company in molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases and cancer, has developed special dry filter paper (DFS) technology that can be used as a simple, cost effective sample collection system for patients requiring monitoring of their HIV-1 viral load. Recently, Primagen has internally validated* the Roche COBAS AMPLICOR(R) HIV-1 test v 1.5 for incorporation into the Company's service testing business which targets the resource poor settings because of its low cost and ease of handling.
With the Primagen's DFS system, body fluid samples (e.g. blood, plasma, urine, mother's milk, etc.) are sent as dried spots on Primagen filter paper to central testing laboratories that provide HIV-1 viral load testing services. The DFS samples are stable for months at ambient temperature, do not require any special handling (e.g. time, refrigeration or dry ice) and, importantly, are not infectious. "The unique benefits of the Primagen DFS technology will enable HIV/AIDS care providers the flexibility and reach to monitor more HIV-1 patients due to simple sample collection procedures, it's non infectious state, and at a very economical cost of transport to the testing facility", said Bob van Gemen, CEO of Primagen, "With the use of this technology in conjunction with the Roche test, we can maintain a standardization of care that HIV/AIDS providers have become accustomed to."
"The demand for DFS viral load testing will continue to grow as the focus by local governments, NGOs and the international community continues their efforts in fighting the global HIV/AIDS epidemic with increased funding," said Prof. Dr. Joep Lange, Department of Internal Medicine, AMC, University of Amsterdam and involved in multiple HIV-1 initiatives in resource-poor setting, "Having a simple sample collection system to monitor the effects of the anti-viral treatment allows the healthcare provider more judicious use of the funds allocated in these resource-poor settings."
* NOTE: This technique is internally validated in the laboratories of Primagen, and is not yet commercially available as a validated sample type for use with the Roche COBAS AMPLICOR HIV-1 test v. 1.5.
About Primagen Holding B.V.
Primagen Holding BV is a privately held company headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Primagen designs, develops and commercializes molecular tests that have high, individualized predictive value and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from life-threatening diseases, such as infections, AIDS and cancer. Primagen has two marketed molecular product lines: Mitox(TM) products measure mitochondrial DNA and RNA in clinical samples with unmatched accuracy. The Dry Fluid Spot filter based viral load service testing product brings HIV-1 viral load measurement to resource-poor environments. For additional information and an update on the latest developments in the Primagen oncology program, visit www.primagen.com.
Primagen Holding B.V.CONTACT: Primagen Holding B.V., Jos Rijntjes, Chief Commercial Officer,Tel: +31-20-566-8575, p.j.rijntjes@primagen.com
