POC Diagnostic Kits Targeted for Resource-Limited Areas

A biotechnology company intends to develop new point of care (POC) diagnostic technologies, which are targeted for use in resource-limited settings.

The technologies will be geared toward the development of noninvasive, urine-based, rapid detection systems for the diagnosis of a panel of sexually transmitted infections, in addition to other diseases such as Tuberculosis.

The company, Norgen Biotek (Thorold, ON, Canada) received over US$800,000 from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP; Ottawa, ON, Canada).

The company focuses primarily on advancing powerful tools for nucleic acids (NA) and protein purification and preservation, as well as developing leading-edge diagnostic tools.

With the new funding Norgen will focus on the development of POC human diagnostic kits for use in resource-limited areas, as well as for home use testing. The new technologies will rely on the use of noninvasive specimens such as urine and saliva for ease of use and cost reduction. Norgen's purification technology is extremely well suited for use in resource-limited settings, as Norgen's resin is able to isolate and concentrate DNA, RNA, and proteins from samples without the use of centrifugation or other equipment.

Norgen has developed technologies and products for the purification of nucleic acids and proteins on both preparative and industrial scales, including ready-to-use chromatography resins and prepacked chromatography columns.

Related Links:
Norgen Biotek
National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program