EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 18, 2015--
SurModics, Inc. (Nasdaq:SRDX) contributed a key component for a
diagnostic device that attaches to a smartphone and detects HIV quickly,
accurately and inexpensively.
“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 Kigali, 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).
Source: SurModics, Inc.
SurModics, Inc.
Joe Stich, 952-500-7000
Vice President
and General Manager
In Vitro Diagnostics
ir@surmodics.com
