Business Wire - September 25, 2001
Beckman Coulter is evaluating the CMV Tetramer as a clinical diagnostic test and plans to initiate clinical trials of iTAg CMV MHC Tetramers for transplant patient management, with hopes of introducing commercial products in the next few years.
The "Blood" article details the research findings of Jan W. Gratama, M.D., of the Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands, who examined the importance of cellular immune response measurement to the management of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in bone marrow transplant patients. Using iTAg MHC Tetramers, Gratama and his research team were able to quantitatively measure disease-specific T cells, an achievement made possible by introduction to Tetramer technology.
"We envision that this strategy of utilizing Tetramers in our research may enable us to identify those patients who may benefit from pre-emptive therapy," said Gratama. "This would represent a significant improvement in our ability to manage infection in stem cell transplant patients."
The 27-patient study consisted of 18 patients who tested positive for the CMV virus and nine patients who tested negative for the virus. Results indicate that protection against progressive CMV infection and CMV disease is provided, in part, by the body's post-transplant development of CMV-specific T cells that help fight the virus.
"This research supports the potential value of the technology in a clinical application, an important element in our business strategy," said Bonnie Anderson, vice president and director of Beckman Coulter's Immunomics Operations.
CMV, which is present in up to 85% of adult populations in the United States, can lead to often-lethal respiratory and gastrointestinal complications in all types of patients with compromised immune systems. Transplant patients are a high-risk group for CMV complications due to the immunosuppressive therapy they undergo. Further research regarding these findings is being conducted.
iTAg MHC Tetramers are research use only products which enable accurate, ex vivo, quantitative analysis of T cells. Research documented in over 200 publications illustrates that Tetramers have been used successfully to accurately and efficiently monitor CD8+ T cell responses against viruses, parasitic infections, cancers, autoimmune diseases and transplantations.
In addition to the iTAg MHC Tetramer for CMV, Beckman Coulter markets ready-to-use, research use only reagents for HIV, melanoma, Epstein-Barr Virus and influenza. The company also sells custom Tetramers using disease-specific peptide information provided by customers. Beckman Coulter is an exclusive licensee to the patented technology behind these products, and markets them through its San Diego-based Immunomics Operations. For more information or to order iTAg MHC Tetramers please visit www.Immunomics.com.
Beckman Coulter is a leading provider of instrument systems and complementary products that simplify and automate processes in life sciences and clinical laboratories. The company's products are used throughout the world in all phases of the battle against disease, from pioneering medical research and drug discovery to diagnostic testing that aids in patient treatment. Annual sales for the company totaled $1.89 billion in 2000, with approximately half this amount generated outside the United States. More information on the company is available at www.beckmancoulter.com.
Note to Editors: Beckman Coulter is an exclusive licensee for the following patents: U.S. Patent Number 5,635,363 Inventors: J.D. Altman, M.G. McHeyzer-Williams and Mark M. Davis. Compositions and methods for the detection, quantitation and purification of antigen-specific T cells. French Patent Number FR9911133. Inventor: F. Lang. Means for detecting and for the purifying CD8+ T lymphocyte populations specific for peptides presented in the HLA context.
References:
(1) Gratama, Jan W., et al. Tetramer-Based Quantification of Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-Specific CD8+ T Lymphocytes in T-Cell Depleted Stem Cell Grafts and After Transplantation May Identify Patients At Risk for Progressive CMV Infection. "Blood." September 2001.
CONTACT: Beckman Coulter, Inc., Fullerton Jeanie Herbert (investor relations), 714/773-7620 or Stacy Prager (marketing communications), 858/621-4738
010925
BW010911
Copyright © 2001 - 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 2001. 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, 2001. 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. .