Roche announces launch of cobas Liat System for on-demand testing in different settings

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced the launch of the cobas^® Liat System—a fast, compact , easy to use, molecular diagnostic platform, designed for on-demand testing in physician clinics, pharmacies and hospital lab settings. The system includes the cobas^® Liat Analyzer and a growing portfolio of assays, including the cobas^® Influenza A/B and cobas^® Strep A nucleic acid tests.

Utilizing Nobel prize winning polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, the cobas^® Liat System, fully automates the testing process, simplifies workflow and enables healthcare professionals to perform molecular testing in a variety of settings with speed, reliability and minimal training. Definitive results are generated in 20 minutes or less to aid a treatment decision.

"The cobas^® Liat System, enables us to extend the reach of PCR technology," said Paul Brown, Head of Roche Molecular Diagnostics. "This system offers significant benefits in testing time and accuracy, over current methods used to diagnose infectious disease within the physician office or urgent care clinic. It eliminates the need for time-consuming confirmatory testing and can provide critical answers to both the healthcare professional and patient during a consultation."

The portfolio is available in the U.S. and within Europe. The analyzer and two initial assays, cobas^® Influenza A/B and cobas^® Strep A, are both CE Marked and FDA cleared.