Quanterix : to Collaborate With the Forsyth Institute and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to Develop Tuberculosis Test

Feb. 9, 2012 - Partnership to Develop Innovative Pathogen Detection Test -

Quanterix Corporation, a company enabling a new generation of molecular diagnostic tests based on its revolutionary Single Molecule Array (SiMoA™) technology, announced that it will apply its cutting-edge technology towards the development of an improved test to aid in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis (TB). In collaboration with the Forsyth Institute and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Quanterix will validate novel low abundance protein biomarkers that may be useful for identifying individuals with active disease. Through this strategic partnership, Quanterix will continue to expand its infectious disease applications to include the development of a fast and simple test that will provide accurate diagnosis of active TB in high-burden countries.

"The Forsyth Institute has utilized a proteomics-based approach to identify a panel of novel M. tuberculosis markers present in the urine of human patients with active TB, but conventional protein detection platforms lack the analytical sensitivity to reliably detect these proteins in urine or blood. Using SiMoA, we are routinely able to improve the sensitivity of existing immunoassays by more than 1,000-fold, enabling accurate measurement of analytes that have previously been considered undetectable. Applying our technology to evaluate biomarkers that could not otherwise be detected will allow us to address a variety of important unmet medical needs, including the development of an improved test for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis," said David Duffy, Ph.D., Vice President of Research at Quanterix... Quanterix 's Press Release -

PhRMA : More Than 50 Medicines in Development for COPD, Third Leading Cause of Death in U.S.

February 2, 2012 — America’s biopharmaceutical research companies are working on 54 medicines to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a report released by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). These exciting therapies are in late-stage development, meaning they are either in clinical trials or awaiting review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Today, more than 13 million American adults suffer from COPD, one of the most common lung diseases in the U.S. A chronic, progressive lower respiratory disease that encompasses two main conditions – chronic bronchitis and emphysema – COPD is characterized by obstructed airflow to the lungs that interferes with normal breathing. People with COPD may be limited in their ability to work, exercise and perform routine activities.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the number of patients with COPD is increasing. In addition to those who have been diagnosed with the disease, 12 million Americans likely have COPD without knowing it.

“Early detection of COPD is imperative, as effective treatment can change the course and progression of this devastating disease,” said PhRMA President and CEO John J. Castellani. “The promising new therapies highlighted in this report illustrate how emerging scientific approaches to treating respiratory diseases such as COPD offer great hope to improve and save the lives of future patients.”... PhRMA's Press Release -