A Medical Device Daily

Corgenix Medical (Denver) said it has entered into an agreement with Randox Laboratories (Antrim, UK) to expand the test-processing technology and distribution network of the Corgenix AspirinWorks product.

The companies will collaborate in adapting the Corgenix AspirinWorks test to a format compatible with automated chemistry analyzers. The AspirinWorks test will be manufactured at Randox's facilities in the UK, and the two companies will share global distribution rights.

AspirinWorks is a simple urine test that determines the effect of aspirin on platelets by measuring the level of thromboxane production (aspirin's target). The higher the levels of thromboxane, the stickier the blood platelets, and the less impact the aspirin is having. This information allows physicians to individualize a patient's aspirin therapy.

Unlike other platelet tests, which require freshly drawn blood that must be evaluated within at least four hours, the current AspirinWorks test only requires a urine sample that can be obtained in any doctor's office or patient service center, making the test easy for both physician and patient.

"We are very pleased about this new relationship with Randox. They are one of the world's premier diagnostic companies in automated technology, and together we expect to adapt the important AspirinWorks product into a format suitable for high-volume clinical testing," said Douglass Simpson, Corgenix CEO/president.

Corgenix makes specialized diagnostic kits for vascular diseases, immunology disorders and bone and joint disorders. Randox makes clinical diagnostic products worldwide.

In other agreements:

• MiMedx Group (Tampa, Florida) has entered into an exclusive worldwide license with SaluMedica (Atlanta) for its Salubria material for applications as a surgical sheet. The license covers both internal and external applications.

MiMedx' SpineMedica (Marietta, Georgia) subsidiary will lead the development of this technology. SpineMedica President Lew Bennett said, "Initially we will focus on developing the Salubria surgical sheet technology for a spine surgery vessel guard used for anterior spinal surgeries."

Classified as a hydrogel, Salubria contains water in similar proportions to human tissue and can be processed to be similar in its mechanical and physical properties. The organic polymer-based biomaterial is known to be biocompatible. Although it is soft and compliant like human tissue, it has been formulated to be wear resistant and strong, making it potentially suitable for many medical applications.

MiMedx Group is the parent company for MiMedx, a development-stage Florida firm founded in 2006, with technology focusing on biomaterials for soft tissue repair, such as tendons, ligaments and cartilage, as well as other biomaterial-based products for other medical applications.

• Inviro (Atlanta) reported a new agreement with Health Affiliated Services (Abilene, Texas ) making available the infection control company's portfolio of InviroSNAP Safety Syringe products to the association's alliance of hospitals, health systems and affiliate organizations.

All of the infection control company's safety and standard syringe products are available to Health Affiliated Services members, including the flagship product, InviroSNAP with InviroSTRIPE Safety Syringe, featuring a patented, integral write-on stripe that allows critical information to be recorded directly onto the syringe barrel. The label helps facilities address The Joint Commission recommendations regarding medication labeling to reduce medication errors. This product feature is available in fixed needle and exchangeable systems.

Introduced in 2006, InviroSNAP Safety Syringes feature a manually retractable design. With hand and fingers safely positioned behind the needle, the clinician administers the dose, pulls the plunger back causing the needle to retract inside the barrel and snaps off the plunger, permanently disabling the device. The InviroSTRIPE feature was added to the product line during 2007.

Inviro Medical Devices develops medication delivery systems.