Business Wire - November 15, 1999
UCLA School of Medicine virologist and recognized expert in HIV, Kathie Grovit-Ferbas, Ph.D., will lead the validation studies. The ACIS viral load test, performed using the immunohistochemical (IHC) staining method, may improve detection of HIV and provide more meaningful information for treatment decisions and disease management.
A new study performed by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on Nov. 3, 1999, reported that even though current drug therapies can suppress HIV in the bloodstream to nearly undetectable levels, the virus can continue to reproduce within the cell. Eighty thousand new cases of HIV are diagnosed each year in the United States alone.
Grovit-Ferbas received a Ph.D. from the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh and has focused her career largely on HIV. She has authored numerous scientific papers relating to HIV and is a member of the UCLA AIDS Institute, directed by Irvin S.Y. Chen, Ph.D.
Referring to the current UCLA collaboration with ChromaVision, Grovit-Ferbas said: "The detection of total viral reservoir at the cellular level may prove to be extremely valuable in HIV disease management. In addition, the ACIS could be a very useful tool in ongoing research aimed at developing more effective therapies for this disease."
ChromaVision CEO and President Dr. Douglas S. Harrington stated: "As with all infectious diseases, it is critical to detect HIV reservoirs with the most sensitive and accurate means possible. Using currently available IHC staining methods, ACIS has the potential to allow the pathologist or laboratory technician to quantify accurately the number of virus infected cells, providing important information to both the doctor and patient."
"In parallel with the HIV study, UCLA will be evaluating the use of the ACIS in a related infection that occurs in patients with suppressed or deficient immune systems known as Cytomegalovirus (CMV)," continued Harrington.
"CMV is an aggressive virus that affects such immunocompromised individuals as transplant recipients and AIDS patients. This virus often causes blindness or death, and is difficult to detect using conventional means."
About ChromaVision Medical Systems
ChromaVision Medical Systems manufactures and markets an advanced cellular imaging system designed to advance the detection, diagnosis and treatment of cellular disease.
The Automated Cellular Imaging System (ACIS)(TM) combines proprietary, color-based imaging technology with automated microscopy to bring unprecedented sensitivity, accuracy and reproducibility to cancer, infectious disease and genetic cell-based diagnostics.
ChromaVision currently markets its products to physicians and researchers in university medical centers and commercial laboratories throughout the world.
ChromaVision Medical Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:CVSN) was formed by XL Vision Inc., and is a Safeguard Scientifics Inc. (NYSE:SFE) partnership company.
For more information on ChromaVision Medical Systems, visit the company's Web site at http://www.chromavision.com.
The statements contained herein regarding ChromaVision Medical Systems Inc. contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainty. Future events and the company's actual results could differ materially from the results reflected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, uncertainty of success in developing any new diagnostic test, failure to obtain FDA clearance or approval for particular applications and dependence on third parties for clinical testing. ACIS is a trademark of ChromaVision Medical Systems Inc.
CONTACT: ChromaVision Medical Systems Inc., San Juan Capistrano Kevin C. O'Boyle or Patricia Sisson, 888/443-3310 or Allen & Caron Inc. Matt Clawson (investors), 714/957-8440
991115
BW991102
Copyright © 1999 - Business Wire. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Business Wire, Permissions Desk, Business Wire, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036; Tel: (212) 575-8822; FAX: (212) 575-1854. http://www.businesswire.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1999. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1999. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .