MUNDELEIN, Ill., May 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Sysmex America today made public the fact that it has been actively involved with Genzyme Corporation in their multinational Phase II clinical drug trial.
Application of the newly available IPF parameter (Immature Platelet Fraction), a reticulated platelet equivalent, is an additional reason for the inclusion of Sysmex XE 2100 instruments into the clinical trial arena. The IPF parameter is a direct extension of the fluorescent optical platelet count, uniquely available on Sysmex automated cell counters, due to the use of proprietary Polymethine fluorescent dyes with nucleic acid affinity. This fluorescence flow cytometry is applied to all cells analyzed on the XE2100 instrument, and is responsible for the enhanced analytical sensitivity that is being appreciated by both routine laboratories, and clinical research institutions.
The ability to accurately quantify immature cells (Immature Granulocytes, Reticulocytes, and Immature Platelets) is a feature of Sysmex reagent technology that is becoming increasingly attractive from the clinical research perspective, since immature cells more acutely reflect changes that occur in response to drug administration or changes in disease progression.
Clinical applications of the IPF parameter include differentiation between thrombocytopenia due to bone marrow suppression, and thrombocytopenia due to peripheral platelet destruction.
Contracts were recently signed which enable a research collaboration between Sysmex and Genzyme Corporation using samples from Genzyme's multinational Phase II clinical drug trial. The trial involves investigating the treatment efficacy of the drug alemtuzumab in patients with early, active relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis.
This is the first of many potential clinical trial applications of the IPF parameter. ITP treatment options include: IVIG, Anti-D and steroids, to prevent peripheral destruction of platelets; and newer therapies that induce thrombopoiesis.
A presentation on the use of the Sysmex XE 2100 instrument Immature Platelet Fraction was recently presented at the International Society of Laboratory Hematology (ISLH) meeting in Miami Florida by Genzyme's Dr Mark Goldberg, Senior Vice President Clinical Research.
About Genzyme
One of the world's leading biotechnology companies, Genzyme is dedicated to making a major positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases. Since 1981, the company has grown from a small start-up to a diversified enterprise with more than 9,000 employees in locations spanning the globe and 2006 revenues of $3.2 billion. Genzyme has been selected by FORTUNE as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work for" in the United States.
With many established products and services helping patients in nearly 90 countries, Genzyme is a leader in the effort to develop and apply the most advanced technologies in the life sciences. The company's products and services are focused on rare inherited disorders, kidney disease, orthopaedics, cancer, transplant, and diagnostic testing. Genzyme's commitment to innovation continues today with a substantial development program focused on these fields, as well as immune disease, infectious disease, and other areas of unmet medical need.
About Sysmex America, Inc.
Sysmex America, Inc., the U.S. headquarters of Sysmex Corporation (Kobe, Japan), is a world leader in clinical laboratory systemization and solutions, including clinical diagnostics, automation and information systems. Serving customers for over 35 years, Sysmex focuses on extending the boundaries of diagnostic science while providing the management information tools that make a real difference in clinical and operational results for people worldwide. For more information about Sysmex, please visit http://www.sysmex.com/usa.
Sysmex America, Inc.CONTACT: Ian Giles, M.D., Director of Scientific Affairs of SysmexAmerica, Inc., +1-847-996-4606
Web site: http://www.sysmex.com/
