Bayer and Innogenetics launches HCV genotype assay
allows genotyping for the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), permitting
broader identification of HCV genotypes with improved accuracy, not
possible by current HCV genotyping products.
The assay aims to address an unmet need in HCV treatment management. Knowing which genotype and subtype a patient has is extremely important to physicians since each genotype responds differently to treatment.
The launch of the Versant HCV Genotype 2.0 Assay (LiPA) provides identification of genotypes 6c-l (formerly known as genotypes 7, 8 and 9) and improves the identification of genotype 1a and 1b.
The company's claim that these additions will permit improved therapy management of hepatitis C-infected patients.
To date hepatitis C infection remains an important challenge for the medical community. Approximately 200m people are infected worldwide, of whom more than 10m are located in the US and Europe.
Once infected, 85 per cent of the individuals become chronic carriers, which ultimately results in liver failure.
"Bayer recognizes there is a tremendous unmet need for a more accurate detection and diagnosis of the hepatitis C virus," said Tony Bihl, President, Bayer Diagnostics.
"The addition of the next generation Versant HCV Genotype 2.0 Assay (LiPA) to our portfolio will help provide better treatment regimes for those infected with the virus,"
The combined CE-marked reagents: the Versant HCV Amplification 2.0 Kit (LiPA), Versant HCV Genotype 2.0 Assay (LiPA), and LiPA-Scan HCV Software provide easy to use products that minimise hands-on time and maximise results.
The system is completed by the release of plasma based run controls in the Versant HCV Control 2.0 Kit (LiPA).
Based on Innogenetics' important intellectual property assets with respect to HCV genotyping, the new test was developed through a joint development agreement.
Bayer has the exclusive worldwide rights for the sales and marketing of Innogenetics' LiPA HCV products, while Innogenetics is responsible for the manufacturing of this product.
"Bayer has proven to be a solid and reliable partner for the sale and marketing of Innogenetics LiPA HCV products. They successfully kept this LiPA-based product as the most widely used assay for HCV genotyping," said Frank Morich, CEO, Innogenetics.
"Bayer's decision to develop an updated version, based on our established LiPA platform, is a further validation of our technology and know-how. We are confident that this next generation product resulting from our corporate partnership will achieve the same success."
