• Medical Headway (Houston) reported the launch of an online medical-breakthrough library, MedicalHeadway.com, aimed at providing the public with news of the latest breakthroughs in the world of medicine. Medical Headway said its partnerships with private researchers, physicians, surgeons, scientists, device manufacturers, medical centers and other entities has enabled it to find a niche as a source for those seeking comprehensive information about medical breakthroughs.

• Neoprobe (Dublin, Ohio) said that a multi-center Phase III study of Lymphoseek has been initiated in patients with either breast cancer or melanoma. The Phase III study will evaluate the efficacy of Lymphoseek to identify lymph nodes that may be predictive of determining whether a patient's cancer has spread into the lymphatic system. Neoprobe makes oncology and cardiovascular surgical and diagnostic products.

• Spartan Bioscience (Ottawa, Ontario) reported a "significant breakthrough" for its Spartan DX DNA analyzer. The addition of a second (Red) channel for optical detection permits scientists to test for two genetic markers simultaneously in the same reaction tube. It also enables scientists to run internal controls to confirm that an assay is working properly. This product enhancement could provide improved diagnostic capabilities for their on-demand DNA testing applications, including real-time polymerase chain reaction. Scientists have validated the Spartan DX for applications such as on-demand testing for herpes simplex virus (HSV) in pediatric meningitis, and testing for vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), an antibiotic-resistant "superbug." Spartan Bioscience makes DNA analyzers for on-demand applications.

• Standing Stone (Westport, Connecticut) reported the launch of its DMClinic software application. DMClinic features detailed checklists on Health Maintenance Activities, tracking of multiple diabetes medications, comprehensive patient and clinic reports and a patient education section all combined with Standing Stone's "one screen" approach, which helps speed data input and clinic efficiency. Installing DMClinic's HL7 interface enables automatic synchronization of data throughout the organization. "Our customers have been asking for a diabetes management tool for several years and we are pleased to be able to offer a world class product that is an excellent adjunct to our anticoagulation and cholesterol management products," said President Albert Bartosic. Standing Stone makes disease-state management solutions.

• Tethys Bioscience (San Francisco) said that it has expanded the availability of its PreDx diabetes risk test, a predictive tool that delivers an accurate assessment of an individual's risk of developing Type 2 diabetes within the next five years. The new blood test is designed to help physicians identify patients at highest risk of developing Type 2 diabetes so that they can promote lifestyle changes or initiate treatment plans to prevent or slow progression to Type 2 diabetes. Tethys identified specific proteins and other biomarkers that are most predictive of a person's progression to Type 2 diabetes. Through comprehensive analysis of proteins and integration of multiple risk-defining biomarkers, the company developed a sophisticated test capable of stratifying at-risk individuals. Tethys Bioscience makes tests for chronic diseases such as diabetes.

• ThermoGenesis (Rancho Cordova, California) said it has submitted a 510(k) pre-market notification application to the FDA requesting regulatory clearance for its MarrowXpress , a device designed for the processing of bone marrow in a laboratory setting. The device is a derivative of the company's AutoXpress platform that is used to volume reduce and collect stem cells from umbilical cord blood. ThermoGenesis makes automated blood-processing systems and disposable products that enable the manufacture, preservation and delivery of cell and tissue therapy products.

• W.L. Gore & Associates (Flagstaff, Arizona) said that patient enrollment has begun in a study titled, "Efficacy of Bioabsorbable Staple Line Reinforcement in Colorectal and Coloanal Anastomoses." The primary purpose of this prospective, randomized multicenter study is to evaluate and compare the outcomes of high risk colorectal or coloanal anastomoses constructed with Gore Seamguard bioabsorbable staple line reinforcement for circular surgical staplers to standard non-reinforced colorectal and coloanal techniques with respect to the incidence of post-operative anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture and time to ileostomy closure. Seamguard reinforcement is thinner than other reinforcement materials and is completely absorbed within six months, eliminating the risk of erosion into adjacent tissue. The Gore medical family of products includes vascular grafts, endovascular and interventional devices, surgical materials for hernia repair, soft tissue reconstruction, staple line reinforcement, and sutures for use in vascular, cardiac and general surgery.