Microbiologics and Microbix Partner on Viral Controls for Diagnostics

Microbiologics, Inc. (St. Cloud, MN, USA) has entered into an agreement to source inactivated viruses from Microbix Biosystems, Inc. (Mississauga, ON, Canada) to be incorporated into a line of full process controls under Microbiologics’ Helix Elite Molecular Standards brand as well as instrument-specific quality control sets.

Diagnostic assays are dependent on controls to demonstrate test performance characteristics and staff proficiency, but laboratories struggle to identify adequate biomaterials and frequently use clinical samples that may not be well characterized or consistently available. Increased regulation requires that labs more carefully consider the source, quality, and format of their molecular and culture-based control materials. This partnership will combine both companies’ expertise in biomaterial development, preservation, and distribution to create highly stable viral controls for molecular testing.

“We are pleased to use Microbix materials in Microbiologics products as they have a strong, global reputation for high-quality viral preparations for the vaccine and immunodiagnostics markets” Brian Beck, PhD, vice president, Molecular Products and Services, Microbiologics, “Incorporation of Microbix viral materials into our lyophilized, molecular-compatible formats complements our existing synthetic standards and extends our catalog to include extraction controls for gastrointestinal, respiratory, blood borne, and sexually transmitted viral pathogens.”

Phil Casselli, senior vice president, Business Development, Microbix, said, “We are pursuing a multipronged approach to exploit the high-growth molecular diagnostics marketplace. Microbiologics has relationships with instrument manufacturers, as well as large-scale distribution capabilities, making them an ideal partner to help expand the reach of our developing molecular program. Our unique isolates offering complements Microbiologics’ strengths. We will both be focused on what we do best in this relationship.”

“As part of our commitment to a safer, healthier world, Microbiologics continues to partner with industry leaders such as Microbix to develop advanced, practical controls that support the evolving field of molecular microbiology,” said Brad Goskowicz, Microbiologics’ CEO, “We look forward to working with molecular diagnostic manufacturers to ensure that clinical laboratories have the appropriate and highest quality control material for their instruments and assays.”

Related Links:
Microbiologics
Microbix Biosystems
Helix Elite, CE-marked IVD molecular standards