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Technology

First Genetic Test for ivF success Scientists have developed the first genetic blood test for predicting the chances that in vitro fertilization (IVF) will lead to a successful pregnancy. The test is based on the finding that different

subtypes of the FMR1 gene in potential mothers are associated with significantly different chances of conceiving with IVF. This is the first evidence that a specific gene appears to be directly associated with IVF outcomes. The study result says that the FMR1 gene, some forms of which are known to predict premature ovarian failure, could be used to predict at what age a woman’s fertility is going to start decreasing. Women with the “normal” FMR1 genotype had a 38.6 percent pregnancy rate; those with the “heterozygous-normal/high” genotype had a 31.7 percent pregnancy rate; and women found to have the “heterozygous-normal/low” genotype had a 22.2 percent pregnancy rate.

International

Action Plan to Halt Malaria Drug resistanceThe United Nations health agency launched a new action plan to halt the spread of resistance to artemisinin, the world’s most potent treatment for malaria, warning that the tremendous gains made in recent years against the disease are under threat. Launched by the UN World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Roll Back Malaria Partnership (RBM), the plan outlines ac-tions to contain and prevent resistance to artemisinins, which are the critical component of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), the most potent weapon in treating falci-parum malaria, the deadliest form of the disease. Resistance to artemisinins has already emerged in areas on the Cambodia-Thailand border, according to WHO, which warns that if these treatments fail, many countries will have nothing to fall back on. The Global Plan aims to prevent artemisinin resistance by stopping the spread of resistant parasites, increase monitoring and surveillance for artemisinin resistance.

Product

Devices to Optimise Diabetes ManagementAs Noval methods of blood glucose monitoring and evaluation have enabled treatment adjustments that would not have been made on the basis of intermittent finger prick readings, thus dramatically improving the quality of the lives of millions of diabetics around the world. Unlike standard monitoring of blood glucose level up to a maximum four times a day, CGMS monitors and records blood glucose levels 288 times in a day for 3 continuous days. This device is very convenient to use. The CGMS is typically inserted in the ab-dominal area and worn by the patient three days as they go about their normal activities like exercise, swimming etc. These devices are particularly useful for children with type 1 diabetes, pregnant women with diabetes, and for patient with long standing diabetes who do not get warning symptoms of low blood glucose.

Corporate

erba Mannheim acquires Turkish ivD CoERBA Diagnostics Mannheim, GmbH (Erba), a 100 percent subsidiary of Transasia Bio-Medicals Ltd., (Transasia) - India’s leading IVD Company and a recipient of various prestigious National and State level awards acquired a 100 percent stake in Diasis Diagnostik Sistemler Ticaret Ve Sanayi A.S. [Diasis Diagnostic Systems], a reputed company in the field of IVD, head-quartered in Istanbul, Turkey. This is the third international acquisition by Erba Diagnostics Mannheim GmbH in a short span of about 16 months. The first being that of a European IVD company, PLIVA-Lachema Diagnostika, s.r.o. [Lachema] based at Czech Republic having a subsidiary in Russia. The Group already has its presence in over 50 countries through its Distribution and Marketing network. Besides that, Erba-Transasia Group has business al-liances with leading IVD companies in the world. Diasis Diagnostic Systems, established in 1993 is involved in the development, production and marketing of products for In Vitro Diagnostics in the field of Biochemistry, Haematol-ogy and Urine analysis. It is an ISO 9001/2000 and ISO 13485/2003 certified company and by using its strength in In-House R & D, it has successfully developed over 40 different reagents for Clinical Chemistry and ISE. Besides enjoying a good reputation and market presence in Turkey over the past 17 years, Diasis Diagnostic Systems has also established an export division which exports its manufactured reagents to several countries including Greece, Bulgaria, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Korea etc. “We regard the acquisition by Erba as a great opportunity for Diasis Diagnostic Systems to aggressively promote the full range of Erba and DDS products in Turkey, Iran, Syria, Azer-baijan”, according to Ruchan Ozatay, Director of Diasis Diagnostic Systems.