Improving AIDS Testing in Developing Countries

Early discussions on ways to improve testing for AIDS in developing countries center on combining the blood sampling technology of Primagen Holding BV (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) with the viral load diagnostics of Roche Molecular Systems (RMS, Pleasanton, CA, USA).

The DFS (dry filter spot) technology of Primagen allows for the simple collection and transportation of blood or plasma samples from remote locations to clinical laboratories equipped to perform the HIV viral load test. This would be a significant step in the developing world to support AIDS care programs that use HIV-1 viral load monitoring as an integral component of assessing and managing anti-viral treatment.

The DFS technology is revolutionizing blood sampling and subsequent viral load testing of HIV patients in developing countries. The DFS specimen, once dried, is noninfectious and stable, so testing can occur in either the local country, or if testing resources are limited, tests can be sent by mail to qualified laboratories anywhere in the world that use the Roche Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor tests and Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 tests.

"The company has seen a dramatic increase in the demand for our DFS testing programs, which are based in The Netherlands,” said Bob van Gemen, CEO of Primagen. "To ensure there is broad access to viral load testing throughout the developing world, it was logical to align our service testing menu with the market leader in viral load testing.”

Primagen anticipates that this development collaboration will lead to further announcements about the two companies' combined efforts to bring their respective technologies to patients to minimize challenges associated with blood collection, storage, and transportation.





Related Links:
Primagen
Roche Molecular Systems