Press release
23 March, 2006
Proteome Systems hits second milestone in the
development of a diagnostic test to detect TB
Sydney, Australia
―
Proteome Systems [ASX:PXL] today announced that
its international partner, the Foundation for
Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), has signed
off on Milestone # 2 of its Tuberculosis [TB]
diagnostic program.
Proteome Systems has discovered
and patented TB proteins in human sputum and blood
that can be used to diagnose tuberculosis. This
milestone involved producing antibodies for the
detection of these proteins in clinical samples.
FIND CEO Giorgio Roscigno said
that reaching this second milestone is important
particularly as it comes at a time of World TB Day
when partners worldwide are renewing their
commitment to rally behind the new ten-year Global
Plan to stop TB (2006-2015).
“We are pleased with the
continued advancement of the PXL diagnostic and
its potential as a new tool in the fight against
the global TB pandemic,” said Roscigno.
Roscigno said new and innovative
TB diagnostics, such as PXL’s, remain a priority
for FIND, and PXL’s diagnostic POC platform could
play a key role in the battle against TB, one of
the world’s most prevalent infections that kills
over 2 million people every year.
PXL’s CEO, Stephen Porges said
“the development of easy-to-use diagnostic tests
that can detect active cases of TB with a high
degree of accuracy is a top priority in the
campaign against TB. Current diagnostic tests for
active TB are slow, inaccurate and expensive
PXL’s Head of Diagnostics Dr.
Jenny Harry said, “demonstrating antibody
detection of TB proteins in clinical samples,
particularly those co-infected with HIV, is a
major step forward for the development of a rapid
and accurate diagnostic test for active TB.
Antibodies to many more of our novel patented TB
proteins are in production and all of these will
now be screened against clinical samples to
determine the best ones to implement in a rapid
point-of-care test so as to be effective across
all geographical regions. Only with accurate
diagnosis can we effectively treat people with TB
and prevent further spread of this disease”.
The partnership with FIND is
providing the critical support to speed the
development of the test including clinical
material, assistance with clinical trials and fast
tracking of registration. Proteome Systems has in
return granted FIND rights to use its antibodies
for incorporation into an affordable product for
the public health sector in developing countries.
The facts
about TB
- Once in decline, TB is now
experiencing a resurgence, fuelled in part by
the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
- Tuberculosis (TB), a
chronic bacterial infection, causes more deaths
worldwide than any other infectious disease.
- It is now the leading
killer of people infected with the HIV/AIDS
virus, and has also become the single biggest
killer in developing nations of women aged
between 15 and 44.
- In the developed world
there has also been a rapid re-emergence due to
the increase in travel, HIV and immigration.
- Meanwhile the
drug-resistant strains of the TB bacterium now
affect up to 50 million people. According to a
recent study published in The Journal of
American Medical Association the incidence of
drug-resistant TB has intensified and is now
reaching new populations in the developed and
developing worlds.
- More than one third of
the world’s population is infected with TB.
- An estimated 15 million
people in the US are infected with TB with one
in ten of those people likely to develop active
TB, according to the United States National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Media contact
Susan Fitzpatrick
DatelineMedia
Susan.fitzpatrick@DatelineMedia.com
Australia Office: +1 61 2 90061614
USA Office +1 650 279 7771
About Proteome Systems (www.proteomesystems.com)
Proteome Systems Limited [PXL] is a dynamic
biotechnology company which discovers and develops
diagnostics and therapeutic products. The Company
has extensive expertise in the discovery and
development of protein biomarkers with a focus on
diseases for which there are large global markets
and unmet need for diagnostics and drugs such as,
respiratory disease, neurobiology,
neurodegenerative disease, cancer and infectious
diseases. PXL’s scientific leadership is
demonstrated by its track record in partnering
with leading US and European companies, clinical
groups and research institutions to collaborate on
its research programmes and develop the outcomes
of its research for diagnostic and therapeutic
application.
About FIND (http://www.finddiagnostics.org)
FIND is an independent, non-profit foundation
based in Geneva. Working with specialised
agencies, academia and civil society, FIND’s
non-profit status will also enables close
partnerships with industry to target investment
toward promising diagnostics best suited to meet
public health needs. We leverage investments
against affordability and ultimately ensure
equitable access to the products in the developing
world.
We develop and validate affordable diagnostic
tests for diseases of the poor, working in close
collaboration with WHO/TDR, the diagnostics
industry and other organizations. The Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation supports the initiative
with US$30 million over the next 5 years.
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