June 13, 2008

Nanogen to develop molecular diagnostic test for bird flu
 
Press Release
   
 

Nanogen, Inc., developer of in vitro diagnostic products announced it has been awarded a new US$10.4 million, two-year contract from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a multi-analyte molecular diagnostic assay for bird flu.

This new contract will have Nanogen develop a fast molecular test that simultaneously detects and differentiates Influenza Type A and Type B, seasonal flu (H1N1 and H3N2) strains, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The contract provides for a secondary, "reflex", test for bird flu strains (H5N1, H7N1, and H9N1) to be available for samples that are determined to be positive for Flu A but negative for seasonal flu. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia among infants and children under one year of age.
 

The molecular diagnostic test will be developed in partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and HandyLab Inc. It will be significantly more sensitive than current rapid flu tests and is expected to be conducted in less than half the time it takes to run current molecular tests. These tests are intended as a key component of the CDC's two-pronged approach to quickly identify and respond to a potential flu pandemic. 
 

Nanogen Inc. develops diagnostic products that enable physicians to deliver improved patient care. The company's products include molecular diagnostic kits and reagents, and kits for rapid point-of-care testing. Nanogen has pioneered the development of biomarkers, molecular biology technologies and nanotechnology to bring better results to diagnostics and healthcare.