3-in-1 Test To Deliver Better Sexual Health For Women

Main Category: Cervical Cancer / HPV Vaccine
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs;  Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 07 Jun 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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Melbourne biotech Genera Biosystems Limited today announced plans to develop the world's first 'triple-test' to detect three important diseases from a single Pap smear specimen.

Genera Chief Executive, Dr. Allen Bollands said the triple test would simultaneously detect Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes cervical cancer, Chlamydia and gonorrhoea, both of which can cause sterility in women.

He said that currently at least two separate tests were required to examine specimens for those diseases.

"The triple test will detect all three simultaneously, saving time and money in the delivery of results," he said.

"We have already developed an HPV test and we anticipate completing development of the Chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests later this year."

"Using Genera's proprietary software, the results of the test are automated to minimize the risk of human error in analyzing the output and reporting results to medical practitioners.

"This means that Australian women will be able to receive more information from their routine Pap smears, to better help manage their sexual health"

Dr. Keith Byron, Head of Molecular Pathology at Gribbles, said that the new test would be a big asset to his lab, which processes a large number of Pap smear specimens.

"These are important diseases for women in that they lead to serious long term health or fertility issues," he said.

"Anything we can do to get results back to the doctors and their patients faster, will be invaluable in ongoing patient management."

Head of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases of the Royal Women's Hospital and head of Genera's advisory board, Professor Suzanne Garland agreed.

"We're making big strides in helping Australian women manage their sexual health. The HPV vaccine is a great Australian invention and an opportunity for young girls and women prevent diseases associated with HPV", she said.

"Screening for other STIs [Sexually Transmitted Diseases] will be another important tool for doctors and their patients".

About Genera Biosystems:

Genera Biosystems Limited (ABN 69 098 663 837) is a privately-owned biotechnology company that develops, manufactures and distributes advanced molecular diagnostic tests, with a particular focus on women's health. Its development pipeline of products includes novel tests for Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonnorhoea, and there are plans for other related tests, such as Herpes simplex.

http://www.generabiosystems.com

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