Integrated Solution Ushers New Era of Automated Tuberculosis Testing

Tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for 1.3 million deaths every year, positioning it as one of the top killers globally due to a single infectious agent. In 2022, around 10.6 million people were diagnosed with TB, and it’s estimated that as many as one-quarter of the global population may be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Effective TB control requires healthcare providers to address not only those with active TB but also the vast, often unnoticed reservoir of individuals with latent TB infection (LTBI). Screening for latent TB involves identifying and testing people at risk of contracting TB or those who might progress from latent to active TB. Now, a unique blood-based interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) paired with an automated liquid handling platform enables accurate TB testing and streamlined lab workflows without compromising on clinical performance. Revvity, Inc. (Waltham, MA, USA) has introduced the T-SPOT.TB test for use on the Auto-Pure 2400 ...

• Source: drugdu
• 125
• May 10, 2024

Advanced Blood Test to Spot Alzheimer’s Before Progression to Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is well known for its slow development over many years, which typically leads to treatment interventions only after the disease has advanced to stages where it may be nearly impossible to slow down its progression. The results of a groundbreaking study, recently published in the journal Nature Communications, have offered new hope for not only earlier diagnosis but also for potentially slowing the course of Alzheimer’s disease. A team of researchers from Aarhus University (Aarhus, Denmark) has identified a specific receptor found on immune cells that can bind and neutralize harmful “beta proteins”, which are closely linked with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The study underscores the significant role that the peripheral immune system may play in defending the body against Alzheimer’s by preventing the build-up of these harmful proteins in the brain. This discovery paves the way for detecting the disease-related changes much earlier than current methodologies ...

• Source: drugdu
• 118
• May 10, 2024

Automated Sepsis Test System Enables Rapid Diagnosis for Patients with Severe Bloodstream Infections

Sepsis affects up to 50 million people globally each year, with bacteraemia, formerly known as blood poisoning, being a major cause. In the United States alone, approximately two million individuals are affected by sepsis annually, resulting in around 250,000 deaths. Similar statistics are reported in the European Union. Sepsis is characterized by life-threatening organ failure due to a dysfunctional systemic immune response. Rapid and accurate diagnostic methods are essential for timely and effective treatment, which is critical for patient survival. Now, a fully automated system for rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) significantly reduces the time required to obtain clinically actionable results, thereby speeding up the administration of optimal treatments from days to just hours. The ASTar System from Q-linea AB (Uppsala, Sweden) revolutionizes the treatment of sepsis by enabling a rapid therapeutic response directly from a positive blood culture in about six hours. This system equips physicians with the necessary ...

• Source: drugdu
• 124
• May 9, 2024

VIETNAM MEDIPHARM EXPO 2024

Organiser: MINISTRY OF HEALTH Time:9 – 12 May 2024 address：91 Tran Hung Dao St. ,Hoàn Kiêm, Hanoi, Vietnam Exhibition hall:  Cultural Friendship Palace   Product range: Medical products: medical equipment and instruments, medical consumables, medical dressings, surgical equipment, rescue equipment, diagnostic medical equipment and supplies, ENT equipment, dental products and supplies, medical health products and equipment, medical institutions and laboratory technical equipment, medical information and technical exchange, beauty equipment, etc Pharmaceutical equipment: pharmaceutical production equipment and technology, pharmaceutical packaging equipment, pharmaceutical packaging materials, pharmaceutical production, cleaning and disinfection configuration system, etc Laboratory equipment: optical instrument equipment, microscope, optical image processing, electronic measuring instrument, multimeter, electronic probe, electronic simulation system, single-chip microcomputer development system, image analysis and processing system, etc Analytical instruments: optical analytical instruments, mass spectrometers, spectrometers, chromatographs, spectrometers, various portable instruments, surface analysis instruments, nuclear analysis instruments, elemental analysis instruments, process analysis instruments, composition analysis instruments, injection analysis instruments and other ...

• Source: drugdu
• 201
• May 9, 2024

New Blood Test Device Modeled on Leeches to Help Diagnose Malaria

Many individuals have a fear of needles, making the experience of having blood drawn from their arm particularly distressing. An alternative method involves taking blood from the fingertip or earlobe, but this often yields insufficient blood for many tests and can result in inaccurate laboratory values that vary between measurements. Now, researchers have developed an innovative device that uses microneedles and a suction cup instead of a large needle, which could be especially beneficial for those with needle phobia. This device can collect more blood than the traditional finger prick, enhancing the reliability of diagnostic measurements. Additionally, its low production cost makes it feasible for use in developing countries. The new device for taking blood samples developed by researchers at ETH Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland) operates on a principle similar to that of a leech and is less invasive than traditional arm blood draws. It is user-friendly and can be operated ...

• Source: drugdu
• 103
• May 8, 2024

The BCR::ABL1 fusion gene plays a key role in the pathogenesis of several blood cancers, particularly chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This gene results from a chromosomal translocation that causes constitutive activation of the ABL1 tyrosine kinase domain, triggering unchecked cell growth. Testing for the BCR::ABL1 fusion gene is crucial in managing leukemia, as it helps identify patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia who might benefit from targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). While Sanger sequencing has been the standard method for this analysis, it has its limitations in sensitivity. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers a more comprehensive approach to detecting, quantifying, and analyzing the genetic alterations associated with leukemia, including minor BCR::ABL1 transcripts and mutations. NGS thus provides detailed insights into disease progression, treatment response, and potential resistance mutations, enabling personalized treatment plans. BioVendor MDx (Brno, Czech Republic) has introduced the first commercial NGS assay specifically for the BCR::ABL1 fusion ...

• Source: drugdu
• 74
• May 8, 2024

Germany Pharma Expo 2024

Organiser:AVOXA Time:9 – 12 Oct 2024 address：ostfach 10 10 06, D-40001 Dusseldorf Stockum Church Street 61, D-40474, Dusseldorf, Germany- D-40001 Exhibition hall:  Dusseldorf Exhibition Center   Product range: Medicine: all kinds of drugs, drug wholesale trade, home care products, diagnostics, diagnostic instruments, diet products, health products, cosmetics, pharmaceutical accessories and furnishings, pharmacy DP, pharmacy supplies   About Expopharm： German Pharmaceutical Exhibition (Expopharm) 2024, exhibition time: October 09 ~ October 12, 2024, exhibition venue: Dusseldorf, Germany -Stockumer Kirchstraße 61, 40474 Dusseldorf, Germany – Dusseldorf Exhibition Center, Organizer: AVOXA, holding cycle: once a year, exhibition area: 20,000 square meters, visitors: 30000 people, the number of exhibitors and exhibitors brands reached 1500.

• Source: drugdu
• 157
• May 7, 2024

Exploring molecular landscapes of cancer in Hispanic/Latin American patients

A new editorial paper was published in Oncoscience (Volume 11) on April 22, 2024, entitled, “Exploring oncogenic driver molecular alterations in Hispanic/Latin American cancer patients: A call for enhanced molecular understanding.” In this new editorial, researcher Rafael Parra-Medina from Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud and Instituto Nacional de Cancerología begins by discussing Latin America’s (LA) population -; a heterogeneous mix of Amerindian, African, and Caucasian ancestries with different proportions in different regions. Countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Venezuela have a higher proportion of Caucasian while regions in Mexico, Perú, and Bolivia have a higher proportion of Amerindian ancestries. Although the overall incidence of cancer in Latin American countries is generally lower compared to high-income nations, the mortality rate is notably higher. “This disparity can be attributed to several factors, including smoking habits, diet quality, levels of physical activity, access to healthcare services, and ...

• Source: drugdu
• 101
• May 5, 2024

Sino Biological concludes SignalChem acquisition for $48m.

Sino Biological has concluded the acquisition of Canadian biotechnology company SignalChem Biotech (SCB) for $48m in a move that expands its product portfolio and strengthens its global presence.   The related share purchase agreement was signed between the companies in October 2023.   The deal includes all assets and assumed indebtedness, along with net cash deposits, marking a significant expansion for the Shenzhen stock exchange-listed biotech company.   Sino Biological president and general manager Dr Jie Zhang stated: “SignalChem is at the scientific forefront of enzyme bioreagent development and production, as well as enzyme-based compound screening technologies.   “The acquisition of SCB further strengthens Sino Biological’s robust presence in bioactive recombinant proteins and related contract research services.”   SignalChem is engaged in developing bioactive enzymes, including kinases, proteases, phosphatases, ubiquitin and epigenetic enzymes.    It is now integrated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sino Biological.   SCB will offer exclusive ...

• Source: https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/sino-biological-signalchem-48m/
• 82
• May 4, 2024

Urine Test to Revolutionize Lyme Disease Testing

Lyme disease is the most common animal-to-human transmitted disease in the United States, with around 476,000 people diagnosed and treated annually, and its incidence has been increasing. If not addressed promptly and effectively, those affected may experience persistent symptoms known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome, which include issues with concentration and memory, dizziness, fatigue, body aches, depression, and sleep disturbances. Currently, the standard diagnostic approach involves an antibody blood test that detects the immune system’s response to the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. Now, urine testing could revolutionize Lyme disease detection and diagnosis thanks to its many advantages over existing techniques.   Researchers at George Mason University (Fairfax, VA, USA) have developed a urine test for Lyme disease that detects the Borrelia bacteria, which causes Lyme disease. This advancement allows for the confirmation of an infection shortly after a tick bite, leading to timely treatment and helping to avoid the ...

• Source: https://www.labmedica.com/molecular-diagnostics/articles/294801060/urine-test-to-revolutionize-lyme-disease-testing.html 
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• May 4, 2024