• Cambridge Research & Instrumentation (Cri; Woburn, Massachusetts) reported the launch of Maestro 2 optical imaging systems in North America. Maestro 2, the fully automated version of the Maestro small animal imaging system, is the ideal optical imaging system for both core imaging facilities and individual laboratories using fluorescence-based imaging methodologies. Maestro 2 combines the sensitivity and features of the original Maestro in vivo imaging system with advanced animal handling features – an integrated anesthesia system and temperature controlled stage and imaging chamber. The Flex liquid crystal tunable filter (LCTF) provides fast, accurate spectral imaging from 500 nm to 950 nm, covering the full range of available in vivo fluorophores. The automated system allows instrument setup and calibration for faster, more accurate results within and between experiments. Maestro 2 provides increased sensitivity, automatic removal of autofluorescence for increase spectral contrast, and improved quantification of experimental results. Cri makes optical imaging solutions.
  • EarlySense (Ramat-Gan, Israel) said it has received FDA clearance for its ES-16 system. The ES-16 system, cleared by the FDA, monitors heart and respiratory rates in both children and adults. The technology developed by EarlySense uses a contact-free sensor, meaning that it is not physically connected to the body of the patient. The ES-16 System eliminates patient discomfort and enables the cost-effective monitoring of patients in settings such as homes, hospitals and other clinic settings such as long term care facilities. The system is currently being evaluated at several clinical settings on patients suffering from chronic diseases, such as asthma, COPD and CHF, as well as at acute-care facilities, on critical-care patients and patients hospitalized for various medical and post-operative conditions. "Hospitals and other healthcare providers are facing a growing challenge in treating older and sicker patients. Such providers are looking for technological solutions that allow them to increase the quality of care and improve patient safety without adding to already stretched budgets and manpower. We have addressed this need with a smart monitoring solution that facilitates the improvement of patient safety and nursing efficiencies," said EarlySense CEO Avner Halperin. EarlySense intends to start selling its new product, to be named EverOn, in 2008, following a number of beta-site evaluations in both Israel and the U.S. EarlySense makes "smart systems" for monitoring changes in a patient's clinical condition.
  • Immunicon (Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania) said that it received FDA clearance for its CellSearch circulating tumor cell kit as an aid in the monitoring of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The CellSearch test was originally cleared in 2004 for in vitro diagnostic use in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Serial testing for circulating tumor cell (CTC) count should be used in conjunction with other clinical methods for monitoring colorectal or breast cancer. Evaluation of CTC count at any time during the course of disease allows assessment of patient prognosis and is predictive of progression free survival and overall survival. Immunicon makes cell- and molecular-based human diagnostic and life science research products with an initial focus on cancer disease management.
  • Kidz-Med (New Paltz, New York), a division of American Scientific Resources, reported the launch of the Thermofocus 5-in-1 thermometer, calling it the first non-contact clinical thermometer in the world, now available at Walgreens stores nationwide and online at http://www.kidzmed.com. The Thermofocus 5-in-1 takes a temperature in one second, without touching a child's skin or ear. It uses an infrared technology, with the Thermofocus simply pointed at a child's forehead and the core body temperature is displayed on an easy-to-read screen. The company said it is as accurate as a rectal thermometer and more accurate than an ear thermometer. Kidz-Med makes pediatric and chidren's products.
  • Veridex (Warren, New Jersey) said the FDA has granted an expanded clearance for the CellSearch system to be used as an aid in the monitoring of metastatic colorectal cancer. CellSearch is currently approved for monitoring metastatic breast cancer. The CellSearch system identifies and counts circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in a blood sample to predict progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with metastatic colorectal or breast cancer, and can do so earlier than the current standard of care. The results of serial testing for CTCs with the CellSearch system, in conjunction with other clinical methods for monitoring, can help physicians assess disease progression, thereby guiding more informed care decisions earlier. The CellSearch system is the first diagnostic test to automate the detection and enumeration of CTCs, cancer cells that detach from solidtumors and enter the blood stream.