EKF Lead Collaborator in Biomarkers of Progressive DKD to Deliver Prestigious Kelly West Lecture at ADA 2014

Dr. Andrzej Krolewski recognized for significant contribution to diabetes epidemiology

Cardiff, UK – 9th June 2014 – EKF Diagnostics, the global diagnostics company, today highlights that the lead scientist working in collaboration with its Kidney Biomarker team to develop tests for progressive Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) will receive the 2014 Kelly West Award in Epidemiology at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 74th Scientific Sessions. Dr. Andrzej Krolewski, MD, PhD, Head of Section on Genetics and Epidemiology at the Joslin Diabetes Center and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, receives this eminent award in recognition of his significant contribution to the field of diabetes epidemiology.

At the ADA 74th Scientific Sessions (13-17th June, 2014, San Francisco), Dr. Krolewski will also deliver the Kelly West Award lecture, ‘Time to Retire ‘Microalbuminuria’: Early, Progressive Renal Decline is the New Paradigm,’ (15th June, 2.15pm). “I am very pleased that I was selected to give the Kelly West Lecture,” said Dr. Krolewski. “This lecture will give me the opportunity to discuss important discoveries that we made in regard to diabetic kidney disease. Joslin is one of the best places to conduct this type of epidemiological research.”

Julian Baines, CEO, EKF Diagnostics, commented, “We offer our wholehearted congratulations to Dr. Andrzej Krolewski on his receipt of the Kelly West Award which is one of the ADA’s highest scientific awards. We look forward to continuing our partnership with him and his team as they continue to develop new models for management of Diabetic Kidney Disease and in particular, the role of biomarkers such as sTNFR1.”

On Stand 2321 at the ADA 74th Science Sessions, EKF Diagnostics will be exhibiting the first of its diagnostics tests for progressive DKD based on the sTNFR1 biomarker originally identified by Dr. Krolewski as a strong predictor of ESRD. Studies performed in multiple centers in US and Europe have shown that sTNFR1 outperforms current clinical tests in identifying high risk patients. EKF’s sTNFR1 test kit is an easy-to-use ELISA-based assay for which standard laboratory equipment and just 50 µL of blood serum or plasma are needed. The standard assay format means the test requires minimal training.

For more information on EKF Diagnostics, please visit www.ekfdiagnostics.com.

About EKF Diagnostics www.ekfdiagnostics.com
American Diabetes Association (ADA) – 74th Scientific Session – EKF Diagnostics Booth 2321
EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc which includes the EKF Diagnostics, EKF Molecular, Stanbio Laboratory, Separation Technology Inc, Diaspect and Selah Genomics brands, 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. EKF products are sold in more than 100 countries around the globe, offering over 30 specialist product lines across its brand portfolio.

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.

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.

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.