Applied BioCode signs License and Supply Agreement with Genetic Analysis for BMB technology

Applied BioCode announced today that it has signed a License and Supply Agreement for its Barcoded Magnetic Bead (BMB) technology with Genetic Analysis of Oslo, Norway.

The license from Applied BioCode will give Genetic Analysis access to specific Applied BioCode BMB patents and BioCode analyzers for Molecular Diagnostic testing of microbial imbalances in the GI tract. The license covers both In-Vitro Diagnostic and Life Science Research applications in this area. Genetic Analysis launched their first product, the GA-map™ IBS Dysbiosis Test, at the United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW) Meeting in Berlin, Germany in October 2013.

Genetic Analysis CEO Kari Stenersen explained that "Numerous studies have suggested the role of gut microbiota in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). However, it is only recently that links between dysbiosis (imbalance in microbiota) and IBS have been explored. Working with leading experts in Scandinavia and Europe, we initiated a series of studies in order to document the use of the GA-map™ IBS Dysbiosis Test in various IBS patient populations. We found that Dysbiosis frequency in IBS patients ranged from 35-77% between the clinics. On average, 67% of the IBS patients experienced dysbiosis. The trials have now been extended with feedback from participating investigators backing our decision to bring GA-map™ IBS Dysbiosis Test to market." The GA-map™ IBS Dysbiosis Test can be run in any accredited molecular diagnostics laboratory.

"We are very pleased to partner with Genetic Analysis in this important and growing area of the market" said Winston Ho, President of Applied BioCode. "Our Barcoded Magnetic Beads and BioCode multiplex analyzers along with Genetic Analysis's GA-map™ IBS Dysbiosis Test will enable researchers and healthcare providers access to new ways to address this sometime debilitating disease."

Further terms of the strategic partnership and license agreement were not immediately available.