Applied Imaging Corp. has launched its SPOT AX genetic analysis system to automatically detect and count fluorescent-labeled DNA probe signals in cells. The SPOT AX is being released to clinical and research sites for research use, pending application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clearance. The system is designed for a range of applications, one of which is to assist in the detection of specific genetic abnormalities that identify which patients may respond to new molecularly targeted therapies.

Researchers at Brunel University, UK. have developed a reusable computer chip that can quickly analyze DNA in blood samples to perform a wide range of medical diagnostics tests including HIV and other pathogens. The new chip, which could be launched in 2005, was linked to software that allows users to control its functions, as well as collect and process data. Tests on a number of different DNA/RNA fragments could be performed on the sample, within a short time, by relatively unskilled staff.

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. is researching genetic markers on an individual's response to anti-IL-1 and anti-TNFa therapy in adults with rheumatoid arthritis. Interleukin Genetics plans to develop an inexpensive test to assist physicians and patients in selecting which of the biologic rheumatoid arthritis drugs would bring the greatest clinical benefit.

Myriad Genetics, Inc. has introduced a new predictive medicine product for risk of hereditary colon cancer, called COLARIS AP that detects mutations in the APC gene, which cause a colon polyp-forming syndrome known as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and a more common variation of the syndrome known as attenuated FAP (aFAP).

QIAGEN N.V. and Axxima Pharmaceuticals AG are developing oligonucleotide probes to identify differentially regulated protein kinases and phosphatases. The content will be optimized for use of the SensiChip platform. QIAGEN will distribute these in the form of oligonucleotide sets or SensiChip microarrays to its customers. The nucleic acid sequence data will be jointly developed through use of QIAGEN's SensiChip products and based on Axxima's proprietary knowledge of human protein kinases and phosphatases.

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