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Lab Work A new diagnostic system from Enzo Biochem detects multiple diseases from a single sample.


News & Trends
Enzo Biochem Inc.
Lab Work
A new diagnostic system from Enzo Biochem detects multiple diseases from a single sample.
By Lisa Fields

Courtesy Enzo Biochem

When it comes to testing for potential diseases, one test is certainly more efficient than three. That’s the thinking behind Enzo Biochem Inc.’s (NYSE: ENZ) proprietary next-generation molecular diagnostic testing platform, AmpiProbe™, says Barry Weiner, president of the New York City-based biotech company. “Because it’s much more efficient, it could eventually be utilized in tests constituting perhaps 50 percent of the $5 billion global molecular diagnostics market,” he notes.

Until now, each molecular test required its own vial of blood, Weiner explains. In contrast, he says, tests based on Enzo Biochem’s AmpiProbe technology platform can be run to detect multiple targeted molecules from a single vial, with up to 25 times greater sensitivity than that of the older technology.

Enzo Biochem has submitted its first assay, a hepatitis C test using the AmpiProbe platform, for approval from the New York State Department of Health, the company says. In addition, it says, it plans to apply for diagnostic approval in Europe, with the expectation of making the technology available to the market before year-end. According to the company, AmpiProbe-based assays will initially be offered through Enzo Biochem’s own clinical lab.

Adds Chairman and CEO Elazar Rabbani: “This platform could lead to the development of multiple independent tests being performed simultaneously from a single clinical sample, thus providing a comprehensive diagnostic result to physicians and patients.”