Molecular Diagnostics Aims to Detect DNA in Patient Samples

Molecular diagnostics aims to provide faster and more sensitive alternatives to traditional microbiology tests and immunoassays by detecting molecules of DNA from bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells in patient samples.

Simple automated solutions will be found to replace time-consuming, labor-intensive tests for infectious diseases and cancer in routine hospital laboratories. Results will become available to physicians much more quickly--in hours rather than days or weeks--and patients will be able to receive treatment sooner.

Beckman Coulter (Galway, Ireland) has launched a four-year collaboration with the National University of Ireland (NUI; Galway, Ireland) in the hope of speeding up molecular diagnostic tests. The Irish Government helped set up the agreement and is hoping that it could lead to further investment from Beckman Coulter.

The Beckman facility in Ireland makes a variety of chemistry, hematology, and immunoassay reagent products that can be used in conjunction with the company's diagnostic products. It is the largest of the company's four similar manufacturing facilities across Europe.

"The agreements give us access to intellectual property for the development of tests for infectious diseases including sepsis, hospital-acquired infections, and sexually transmitted diseases, such as those caused by Chlamydia and Neisseria,” said Mike Whelan, group vice president of Beckman Coulter's high sensitivity testing group.

The University's National Center for Biomedical Engineering Science (NCBES; Galway, Ireland) and the microbiology department (Galway, Ireland) will lead the initiative. A team of 10 Masters and Ph.D. scientists based at the university will be created to build on intellectual property already developed there. The field is thought to be potentially worth US$2 billion annually.


Related Links:
Beckman Coulter
National University of Ireland
National Center for Biomedical Engineering Science (NUI)