NorDiag and Molzym have now succeeded to combine their respective technologies into an integrated system for automated molecular detection of pathogens, among others for sepsis testing.
 
Following this milestone, the two companies have signed a firm collaboration agreement regarding sale of an integrated solution for sepsis testing and more. "Short term, this agreement will have a positive effect on the operating income for the Arrow instrument. On a strategic level, collaboration with partners regarding integrated tests opens up a range of opportunities for NorDiag", comments CEO of NorDiag, Mårten Wigstøl.
 
The system will be launched in Q2-2010. NorDiag's contribution is the Arrow instrument, while Molzym is contributing with reagents. The system will be sold under the brand name of Molzym. NorDiag will distribute on a non exclusive basis the system in North America, and on an exclusive basis in the Nordic countries, while Molzym will sell the system through their distributor network in the rest of the world. The agreement also covers potential agreements with strategic partners. NorDiag and Molzym have agreed upon a fixed split of revenue and profit on revenues from potential strategic partners. Sepsis (blood poisoning) is a systemic inflammation of the whole body caused by pathogens, ultimately leading to multiple organ dysfunctions and a mortality rate of 30-50%. SepsiTest(TM) is a novel PCR test for early and rapid diagnosis of sepsis. In less than four hours the broad-spectrum screening assay detects more than 345 relevant sepsis-causing bacteria and fungi. Today's conventional microbiological methods (blculture) usually deliver results, on an average, only after 48-72 hours. SepsiTest(TM) received CE-IVD-marking according to European in-vitro diagnostic law and is now available for routine diagnostics of sepsis.
 
NorDiag and Molzym are in the process of starting several validation sites for the integrated system both in Europe and US. These validation sites will be the reference sites for rolling out the product.
 
-    "We evaluated a variety of different platforms, but the Arrow is just perfect for ultra-sensitive and contamination-free broad-range diagnostics", says Molzym CEO Michael Lorenz. "In addition to sepsis, this platform technology will have a tremendous impact to molecular microbiology including testing of primary sterile body fluids and tissue" he adds.
 
"This is a revolutionary patented method for ultra-sensitive detection of bacteria and fungi in difficult samples without culture. It has the potential to be integrated into a variety of diagnostic assays for pathogens that are difficult to culture, difficult to detect, and are often "missed" in current diagnostics. We expect this collaboration to contribute with strong growth once this has been established in the market. The reference sites that have committed to test the systems are all well reputed" says NorDiag CEO Mårten Wigstøl.
 
Contact:
CEO Mårten Wigstøl, Phone: +47 91165775

 
About NorDiag:
NorDiag is a biotechnology company developing, manufacturing and marketing automated solutions (instruments and reagents) for sample preparation of DNA from difficult biological samples. DNA diagnostics give more rapid and precise answers, and is the fastest growing field within diagnostics. The company's sample preparation solutions are today used in connection with STI, tuberculosis, MRSA, respiratory pathogens and viruses on instruments for large and small laboratories. NorDiag was founded in 2003 and has its headquarters in Oslo, Norway. The company has offices and laboratories in Stockholm, Sweden, in West Chester (PA), USA and in Vienna, Austria. The group has today 40.1 man-labour years. NorDiag is listed on Oslo Stock Exchange with ticker NORD.
 
For further information - www.nordiag.com.
 
 
About Molzym:
Molzym GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Bremen, Germany, is a manufacturer of innovative products for molecular diagnostics. Based on proprietary, patented technologies Molzym's kits and molecular diagnostic tools focus on the selective isolation of pathogen DNA from whole blood, body fluids and tissue, robust and contamination-free PCR reagents and the molecular detection and identification of bacteria and fungi.
 
For further information - www.sepsitest.com
 
 
Contact:
Jan Detmers, Ph.D. Fon: +49(0)421/ 69 61 62-0 Email: info@molzym.com
 
Pictures for download: http://www.sepsitest.com/en/content/view/60/56/

Read the notice in Norwegain here.