German Innovation For HIV/AIDS Diagnostics Has Been Used 2.5 Million Times In 2008

Main Category: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Also Included In: HIV / AIDS
Article Date: 29 Nov 2008 - 1:00 PST

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German biotech company Partec is expanding its global leadership in specialized HIV monitoring and AIDS patient follow-up diagnostics for developing and emerging countries. In the year 2008, 2.5 million patient tests have been performed with the portable, robust and highly affordable "CyFlow" system, supporting already more than 1 million people living with HIV/AIDS. Due to introduction of the Partec innovation, the average cost of EUR 160 per year and per patient could be reduced by a factor 20 to EUR 8, only.

The "CyFlow" instruments are being successfully used in nearly all Sub-Saharan African countries. Furthermore, the technique is being applied in Asia, Latin America, Europe and the U.S. In December 2008, the thousandth "CyFlow" device will be placed since introduction at the XVI. International AIDS Conference in Barcelona in July 2002.

By precisely measuring the CD4 T-lymphocyte concentration from blood samples, the "CyFlow" delivers accurate information about the immune status level of HIV/AIDS patients. This test is necessarily required as basis for antiretroviral therapy targeting to stabilize the immune status which is essential for survival. Approximately, 33 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS. More than 95% of them reside in developing countries, especially in Africa and Asia.

On World AIDS Day 2008 Partec announces Award

On World Aids Day at 1st December, Partec announces a global award competition for NGO projects being active in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The award winner will be supported one year free of cost with the required diagnostics from Partec. Until 31st March 2009, applicants may submit a detailed project description including an explanatory statement why specifically their project should be chosen. Further information are available online at http://www.partec.com/worldaidsday. Applications should be directed by e-mail to worldaidsday@partec.com oder by telefax to +49-3581-874670.

Technologically, the "CyFlow" is based on the invention of fluorescence-based "flow cytometry" by Professor Wolfgang Göhde from German University of Münster. The worldwide first patent application in flow cytometry was filed almost exactly 40 years ago in December 1968. Since then, the key technology of Göhde has become a standard method for automated blood cell and cancer cell analysis in hospitals worldwide.

Partec