EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SurModics, Inc. (Nasdaq:SRDX) contributed a key component for a diagnostic device that attaches to a smartphone and detects HIV quickly, accurately and inexpensively.
“We are proud to have been a small part of what appears to be a promising new point-of-care device.”
“This device is a great example of the benefits of point-of-care diagnostics, especially in developing countries,” said Joe Stich, Vice President and General Manager of SurModics IVD, the company’s in vitro diagnostic business. “We are proud to have been a small part of what appears to be a promising new point-of-care device.”
The new and yet unnamed device developed by Columbia University has been tested in a small clinical trial in Kingali, Rwanda. Results of the trial were published in February in Science Translational Medicine.1
In preparing the diagnostic test’s cassettes, researchers at Columbia University used SurModics’ StabilCoat® immunoassay stabilizer during physisorption of disease-specific capture proteins. Their paper noted that they found the protein retained its function over three weeks at 60°C. The high-temperature conditions were intended to mimic actual shipping and transportation conditions in Rwanda. Advanced preparation of the cassettes at Columbia helped ensure “plug-and-play” readiness upon arrival in Africa.1
StabilCoat stabilizer is considered the gold standard for stabilizing proteins in the dried state. It is also an excellent blocking agent that can be dried down or used as a blocker for same-day assays. In this trial, StabilCoat solution helped minimize noise and non-specific binding while delivering high signal to enable accurate detection of the three disease states in the test: HIV, syphilis (treponemal) and syphilis (non-treponemal).1
In addition to product, SurModics senior scientists provided guidance to members of the research team over several months to help optimize reagent stability in loading, storing and shipping the cassettes. “It’s exciting and rewarding to have been part of this effort,” said Sr. Scientist Sean Lundquist. “SurModics routinely partners with assay developers on innovative projects. It’s always gratifying to help bring new point-of-care devices to fruition.”
According to the researchers’ paper, the new device costs about $34 to make and delivers results in 15 minutes. Results of the study indicate that the new smartphone accessory appears to be as accurate as conventional diagnostic tests, which are run on ELISA equipment typically costing about $18,450.
About SurModics, Inc.
SurModics partners with the world’s leading and emerging medical device, diagnostic and life sciences companies to develop and commercialize innovative products designed to improve lives by enabling the detection and treatment of disease. The company’s core offerings include surface modification coating technologies that impart lubricity, prohealing and biocompatibility characteristics and components for in vitro diagnostic test kits and microarrays. SurModics is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. For more information about the Company, visit www.surmodics.com. The content of SurModics’ website is not part of this press release or part of any filings that the Company makes with the SEC.
1. T. Laksanasopin, T. W. Guo, S. Nayak, A. A. Sridhara, S. Xie, O. O. Olowookere,P. Cadinu, F. Meng, N. H. Chee, J. Kim, C. D. Chin, E. Munyazesa, P. Mugwaneza, A. J. Rai,V. Mugisha, A. R. Castro, D. Steinmiller, V. Linder, J. E. Justman, S. Nsanzimana, S. K. Sia, A smartphone dongle for diagnosis of infectious diseases at the point of care. Sci Transl Med 7, 273re1 (2015).
Contacts
SurModics, Inc.
Joe Stich, 952-500-7000
Vice President and General Manager
In Vitro Diagnostics
ir@surmodics.com
Help employers find you! Check out all the jobs and post your resume.
