AACR 2014 – EKF Molecular Highlights Ultra-Sensitive Cancer Mutation Detection Kits

PointMan™ DNA-enrichment kits offer unrivalled cancer gene detection in whole blood

Cardiff, UK – 25th March 2014 – EKF Diagnostics (www.ekfdiagnostics.com), the global in vitro diagnostics business, will be present on Booth #438 at AACR 2014 (American Association of Cancer Research), 5-9th April, San Diego. EKF Molecular will exhibit its PointMan™ DNA-enrichment technology which enables ultra-sensitive and highly-specific cancer mutation detection unmatched by existing technologies.

PointMan is an extremely sensitive and selective tool based on real-time PCR technology offering the ability to enrich mutations from limited sample material. This is vital for a companion diagnostic particularly in the field of oncology, where availability of tumour biopsy tissue is restricted. In collaboration with Swansea University, EKF Molecular is currently investigating the ability of PointMan kits to enrich mutant DNA from a blood-based sample. Initial results have demonstrated the detection of gene mutations in blood from samples archived in the Wales Cancer Bank.

EKF Molecular has a growing range of products and technologies developed to meet an increasing demand for superior sensitivity and specificity in molecular diagnostics.

PointMan DNA enrichment kits are available to detect a variety of mutations for cancer biomarkers including: BRAF, KRAS, EGFR, NRAS and JAK2. These genes are associated with skin melanoma, colorectal and lung cancers, as well as myeloma.

For more information on EKF Diagnostics and its molecular division, please visit www.ekfdiagnostics.com or www.ekfmolecular.com.

 

About EKF Diagnostics www.ekfdiagnostics.com
EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc specializes in the development, production and worldwide distribution of point-of-care blood analyzers for use in the detection and management of diabetes, anemia, lactate and kidney related diseases. Its new Molecular division focuses on molecular and companion diagnostics.

Companion Diagnostics: In March 2013 EKF set up a new division to focus on molecular and companion diagnostics - EKF Molecular Diagnostics develops technologies for cancer gene detection. Through its acquisition of UK-based 360 Genomics and by offering innovative products with the potential to change current DNA extraction and detection practices, EKF is addressing the fast growing companion diagnostics market.

Point-of-care diagnostics: EKF Diagnostics’ expertise covers the entire in vitro diagnostics chain, from fermentation and enzyme production, to liquid reagent manufacture, design and building of world-class diagnostic devices, and distribution of rapid test kits for infectious diseases and pregnancy. The EKF analyzer range is used widely in GP surgeries, pharmacies, blood banks, sports clinics, hospitals and laboratories for glucose, lactate, hemoglobin, hematocrit and HbA1c measurement.

EKF Diagnostics products are sold in more than 100 countries around the globe. EKF Diagnostics’ strengths lie in its multi-national research and manufacturing facilities, teams of experienced analysts and engineers in Germany, Ireland, USA and the UK, and a board led by some of world’s foremost authorities in medical diagnostics.