Tyrian Diagnostics and Becton, Dickinson and Company complete
feasibility study for tuberculosis diagnostic
22 January 2009
Tyrian Diagnostics Limited (ASX:TDX) announced today that it has
completed Milestone 4 of a feasibility study in collaboration with
Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) to determine the suitability of
Tyrian’s proprietary tuberculosis (TB) protein markers for the
development of rapid diagnostic tests to detect active TB disease.
The feasibility study demonstrated detection of selected proprietary
TB proteins in sputum, along with the development of methods for sample
preparation and testing suitable for use in the field. Tyrian has
identified a lead marker which may be particularly suitable for a
diagnostic test because it is an essential TB protein, meaning that it
is always present when there is active TB.
For Milestone 4 of the feasibility study, this lead TB marker was
detected in clinical strains of the bacteria responsible for TB as well
as clinical sputum samples; however, the desired levels of sensitivity
and specificity have not yet been achieved in a protein assay. This will
require further technical development of the assay as well as analysis
of a greater number of clinical samples.
In an adjunct study, Tyrian demonstrated that this same marker could
also be developed as a molecular diagnostic assay.
Rapid and accurate diagnosis is critical to treat TB patients
effectively and to arrest disease transmission. Current tests in market
are either too slow or lack sensitivity. Tyrian and BD are seeking to
address the need for rapid and sensitive diagnostics for active TB.
“This collaborative study with BD has identified two potential
products for development using our lead marker,” said Jenny Harry, CEO
of Tyrian Diagnostics. “A molecular diagnostic test could be developed,
using existing gene expression technology, for primary use in hospitals,
clinics and analytical and research laboratories. Secondly, an
antigen-based Point-of-Care test would address a broader market by
providing an immediate result without the need for laboratory
facilities.”
Bookmark this page