Download Veredus Laboratories` Avian Flu Test on STMicroelectronics` Lab

Veredus Laboratories' Avian Flu Test on STMicroelectronics'
Lab-on-Chip enters Evaluation Trial at National University Hospital
The STMicroelectronics’ Lab-on-Chip will be able to detect all major flu types
Geneva and Singapore - March 26, 2007 - Veredus Laboratories, a leading provider of
molecular detection tests, today announced that it will begin its evaluation trial with the
National University Hospital to assess Veredus' diagnostic test using STMicroelectronics’
lab-on-chip for the detection of all major influenza types including the deadly avian
influenza H5N1.
Using STMicroelectronics’ In-Check™ platform, Veredus’ test specifically identifies
whether a patient is infected with the Avian Flu (H5N1) or a subtype of Influenza A or B
in a single test, instead of requiring many tests, as needed currently. The single-test
application will be a substantial breakthrough in enabling rapid identification of the
infectious agent to limit the spread of the disease and speed patients’ treatment. The chip
is also capable of detecting avian flu strains that have not crossed over to humans,
providing a first line of detection.
The diagnostic effort is being built on STMicroelectronics’ In-Check platform, a complete
laboratory on a chip. The platform allows users to accurately and reliably perform the
complex processing and analysis of a minute sample on a single disposable chip that is the
size of a thumbnail, dramatically reducing the time and complexity of the instrumentation
needed. In addition, this self-contained lab-on-chip approach reduces the risk of crosscontamination inherent in conventional analysis methods. Results are detected by a
dedicated portable reader using optical signal acquisition and processed by ST’s
specialized bioinformatics software, which can be installed on any PC.
“Many countries have responded to the increasing public health risks associated with the
emergence of a new flu virus and have implemented their influenza pandemic
preparedness plans,” said Dr Rosemary Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Veredus
Laboratories. “We believe that the ability of healthcare professionals to quickly
differentiate Avian Flu or severe flu strains from milder strains by their subtypes will be
crucial in the implementation of such plans.”
“The medical laboratory is now focusing on translational research, which aims to harness
the latest technology and scientific knowledge to develop novel testing devices for
patients. With our strong research background and a history of early adoption of new
technology, we are collaborating with Veredus and STMicroelectronics to develop
revolutionary test approaches with unprecedented speed, accuracy and scope of
deployment outside the traditional laboratory setting.
NUH played a major role in diagnostic testing of patients from many hospitals during the
SARS crisis; with this project, we hope to be even better prepared to meet new emerging
infectious threats to our community. We will then be ready for the next influenza
pandemic,” said Assoc Prof Raymond Lin, Clinical Director, Molecular Diagnosis Centre,
National University Hospital.
“After careful and thorough preparation and validation, the ST In-Check lab-on-chip
platform and the Veredus Avian Flu panel are ready for the next important step in the
complex process of testing and evaluation," said Anton Hofmeister, Group VP and
General Manager of STMicroelectronics Microfluidic Division. "We're confident that the
National University Hospital will do an equally thorough clinical evaluation that will
demonstrate the efficacy of the tests."
About Veredus Laboratories Pte Ltd
Veredus Laboratories Pte Ltd is a privately held, medical diagnostics company engaged in
the development, commercialization and manufacture of diagnostic assays for diseases. As
a successful enabler for innovative technologies, products and services, Veredus is the
partner of choice for industrial research in Life Sciences, Diagnostics and Pharma. For
more information, please visit www.vereduslabs.com.
About National University Hospital
The National University Hospital (NUH) opened its doors to the public on 24 June 1985 as
the first restructured hospital in Singapore. As the nation’s only university hospital, NUH
remains dedicated to caring for patients, providing excellent medical education and
leading medical research.
Since its inception, it has grown to become 935-bed, acute-care, tertiary hospital. NUH is
committed to improving the standard of their medical, paramedical and nursing care as
well as constantly striving to provide personalized, specialized, cost-effective and
specialized patient care.
With 22 clinical, 3 dental and 6 paramedical departments, as well as numerous specialist
outpatient clinics and specialised service centres, NUH has a comprehensive range of
services to meet the growing needs of patients. NUH also has a pool of more than 3500
professional staff providing round-the-clock personalised care to patients.
In recognition of its ongoing commitment to provide high standard of care, NUH is the
first hospital to be granted accreditation from the Joint Commission International in
August 2004 and the Singapore Service Class in July 2004.
NUH is also the first and only hospital in Singapore to achieve triple ISO certification
simultaneously – ISO 9001:2000 (Quality Management Systems); ISO 14001:1996
(Environmental Management Systems); and OHSAS 18001:1999 (Occupational Health &
Safety Management Systems) in December 2002.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor
solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination
of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio
and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC)
technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The
Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on
the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2006, the Company's net revenues were $9.85 billion and
net earnings were $782 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
For more information, please contact:
Dr Rosemary Tan
CEO, Veredus Laboratories Pte Ltd
H/p: +65 9619 9690
Email: [email protected]
Ms Lisa Ang
Senior Executive
Corporate Communications & Services
National University Hospital
Tel: +65 6772 5117
Email: [email protected]
Ms Esther Gan
Director
Corporate Communications
STMicroelectronics Asia-Pacific
Tel: +65 6216 5522
Email: [email protected]