Date: 12/11/2012
Veredus launches lab-on-chip for detecting TB
Veredus Laboratories has launched VereMTB, a multiplexed molecular diagnostic chip capable of fast and accurate detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Complex (MTBC) and its mutations, as well as 9 other clinically relevant non-tubercular mycobacterium.
Smart Phone
In VereMTB is said to complete the diagnosis and identify the specific mycobacterium causing the infection and drug resistance in less than 3 hours from natural samples, where as it takes 8 weeks using traditional methods.
There is no need for culturing and also due to compact size of chip, the system can be deployed in a wide range of settings at point-of-need.
“In 2011, 8.7 million people were diagnosed with TB and 1.4 million people died from the disease. With its ranking by the World Health Organization as the second greatest killer from a single infectious agent worldwide 1, faster diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this highly infectious disease is critical,” said Dr Rosemary Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Veredus Laboratories. “We believe VereMTB fulfills a crucial need in the timely diagnosis of TB and its multi-drug resistance thus ensuring proper treatment.”
“STMicroelectronics is at the forefront of creating silicon technology targeted at healthcare applications,” said Benedetto Vigna, Executive VP & General Manager, Analog, MEMS & Sensors Group, STMicroelectronics. “Our sensor and power-related technologies have enabled numerous innovations in healthcare, ranging from personal and portable to miniaturized and minimally-invasive devices. Using ST’s Lab-on-Chip technology, VereMTB is a clear demonstration of ST’s ability to leverage its technology portfolio as a strategic solution to address a global healthcare burden.”
Based on STMicroelectronics’ industry-proven Lab-on-Chip technology, the VereMTB chip is currently undergoing evaluations by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Beijing, China.
“At the main CDC National TB Reference Lab in Beijing, we have been evaluating VereMTB using samples, collected from across China with a special interest in detecting challenging multi-drug resistant strains that are difficult to detect using other methods,” said Professor Zhao Yanlin Director of National TB Reference Laboratory and Vice Director of the National Center for Tuberculosis Control and Prevention at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. “The speed, accuracy and comprehensiveness of the results have been very promising. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Veredus for new breakthroughs in diagnosing TB.”
VereMTB will be on display at the 43rd Union World Conference on Lung Health in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 13 – 17 Nov 2012 - Booth 67, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Veredus Laboratories is the Singapore-based subsidiary of STMicroelectronics.