Tyrian Diagnostics Completes Feasibility Study For Tuberculosis Diagnostic With Becton, Dickinson & Company

Main Category: Tuberculosis
Article Date: 12 Jan 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Tyrian Diagnostics Limited (ASX:TDX) announced that the Company 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."

About Becton, Dickinson & Company

Becton, Dickinson & Company (BD), a leading global medical technology company that manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents, is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug therapy, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases, and advancing research and discovery of new drugs and vaccines. The Company's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 27,000 people in approximately 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, industry and the general public. For more information, please visit http://www.bd.com.

About Tyrian Diagnostics

Tyrian Diagnostics (ASX:TDX) is a diagnostics company with expertise in biomarker discovery and validation and diagnostic test development with a core focus on respiratory and infectious diseases. Tyrian's product pipeline includes: WheatRite® for measuring wheat quality, which is partnered with Bayer CropScience; and a rapid test for active tuberculosis, in collaboration with the US-based group Becton, Dickinson and Company. In addition, Tyrian can partner in alternative fields given its capabilities to work across the entire spectrum of diagnostic test development - from identification and isolation of biomarkers, point-of-need test design, clinical development or field testing to final product. Additional information about Tyrian Diagnostics can be found at http://www.tyriandx.com.

Tyrian Diagnostics