BioPorto has launched an APC-PCI ELISA Kit for the determination of the APC-PCI
complex. Bio-Porto's results show that the level of APC-PCI can identify the
group of sepsis patients who will benefit from a treatment with activated
protein C (a therapy marketed by Eli Lilly under the name “Xigris”). BioPorto's
new assay for research use will enable clinical studies and validation
processes which in turn will prepare the way for routine diagnostic use of the
APC-PCI assay. Only BioPorto markets an APC-PCI assay.
APC-PCI stands for activated protein C-protein C inhibitor complex, which is
formed in very small amounts in the blood when blood clotting is activated and
the clotting-regulating protein C is also activated. Activated protein C (APC)
has inhibitory actions on both blood clotting and inflammation, so that the
recombinant protein (marketed by Eli Lilly under the name Xigris) can be used
to treat patients with severe sepsis. BioPorto's assay can be used both for the
measurement of protein C-activation in patients with severe sepsis and in
patients with trombotic conditions.
The market potential within the sepsis area comes to more than 7 million assays
a year throughout the western world. Following the selection of sepsis patients
who would benefit from APC treatment, the use of the test could lead to up to a
3-fold increase in the cost-effectiveness of the treatment, saving 2/3 of
current costs incurred by the unnecessary treatment of unresponsive patients
and at the same time avoiding serious side-effects. This reduction in costs
might be able to reestablish APC treatment as a therapeutic option for patients
with severe sepsis.
BioPorto has applied for a patent covering the diagnostic use of the APC-PCI
marker to select pa-tients with severe sepsis for special treatment. The
company has positive indications that the patent concerning the diagnostic
method can be issued. The BioPorto APC-PCI analysis comprises a monoclonal
antibody that monitors the activity of the systems involving the protein C
inhibitor. Within the sepsis area, BioPorto has obtained exclusive rights for
the concerned antibody, as patented by Forskarpatent Syd. The rights cover all
assay formats such as ELISA, point-of-care and automated systems.
The sales of the new assay are included in the budget for 2009 and the
expectations for 2009 there-fore remain unchanged.
Further information:
Thea Olesen, CEO
Christina Tønnesen, Investor Relations
Tel.: +45 4529 0000
E-mail: investor@bioporto.com
