Series production initiated: LabChips replace laboratory
A LabChip made out of transparent micro structured plastics will revolutionize nucleic acid diagnosis. Filigrane lines run through it like veins in a leaf. They connect the various functions of this mini-laboratory with each other – insertion of the sample, reagent containers, reaction chambers and detection unit. In under two hours it will be possible, with just a drop of blood, to determine which virus or bacteria is responsible for an illness and also which medicine will have the best effect or which organ is suitable for transplantation. The Erlangen-based bio-technological company november AG has now chosen a prominent partner from Regensburg for the further development and serial production of this LabChip: Wilden AG, one of the market leading manufacturers of medical plastic systems.
Within the framework of their long-term cooperation both companies will develop novembers’ LabChip prototype further until it is ready to go into production, and then subsequently mass-produce it. To strengthen Wildens’ market position in the global growth market of micro fluidics, november is also providing its know-how and putting its laboratorial infrastructure in the field of molecular biology at the partner’s disposal. In the context of this agreement, Wilden will take over the plastics development of cartridge components as well as conducting the transfer of the system to mass production under cleanroom conditions. This globally unique, credit-card-sized micro fluidic LabChip enables for the first time the reliable, easy and cost-efficient detection of bacteria, viruses or genetic risk factors directly in the doctors’ practice – a step towards optimal treatment for patients.
The complete system consists of a credit-card-sized plastic cartridge and an electronic control unit which is the basis for a broadly based strategic partnership with Siemens Medical Solutions. As the actual analysis is conducted within the cartridge and is fully automated, neither a cost-intensive laboratory structure nor expensive, specially trained personnel are required. The necessary reagents are also already supplied in the cartridge. The effective operation time is less than a minute. The time for analysis will sink from the currently required time of eight or more to under two hours. This leads to a drastic cost-reduction per analysis. Next to viral and bacterial pathogens, evidence of genetic sequences, which can be important for the effectiveness of a certain medicine, can be provided in the same way, thus avoiding burdensome attempts at treatment. In future, this so-called “personalized medicine” will gain more and more importance. Over and above this, nucleic acid diagnosis can also be applied within therapy accompaniment.
"Patients should be able to profit as soon as possible from our diagnostic LabChips”, says november’s CEO, Dr. Wolf Bertling, “that is why, when it comes to the development of our products, we consistently rely on market experienced partners such as Siemens Medical Solutions and now Wilden. By securing the mass production we have made a significant step in the direction of the market launch of our products."
Hans Wilden, chairman of the board of Wilden AG, comments, “ This globally unique on-the-spot diagnosis system can revolutionize the nucleic acid diagnosis market and opens up an enormous additional market potential for us. We will do everything to ensure the project will be a joint success.”
For more information see: