• Alpha Innotech (AI; San Leandro, California), a provider of bioanalytical systems for drug discovery and life science research, reported a product development and OEM supply agreement with R&C Biogenius (Los Angeles). AI will supply R&C Biogenius on an OEM basis a new bioimaging instrument optimized for R&C's assay for multi-analyte single well ELISA tests. The agreement includes undisclosed development payments and sales milestones. "The introduction of an integrated solution for simultaneously performing many important tests on a single biological specimen will reshape the molecular diagnostic market," said Sia Ghazvini, VP of business development at AI. R&C Biogenius specializes in R&D in the field of in vitro diagnostics, particularly in the areas of infectious disease and heart risk.

• Luna Innovations (Roanoke, Virginia) reported entering into a joint marketing alliance with Terumo Cardiovascular Systems (Terumo CVS). Luna and Terumo CVS will market Luna's EDAC (Emboli Detection and Classification) Quantifier for clinical use in the U.S. Terumo CVS is a supplier of products for cardiopulmonary bypass. "Luna has a track record of successfully developing products for key target markets, and this agreement with Terumo CVS expands our presence in the medical devices market consistent with our business model, which focuses on the commercialization of our proprietary technologies and intellectual property," said Kent Murphy, Luna's chairman/CEO. "While the dynamic quantification of micro gaseous emboli during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery is not presently the global standard of care, the acceptance and widespread adoption of our technology will continue to raise the bar in patient care." Luna said that its EDAC Quantifier is the only full-featured, standalone emboli detection system to receive clearance from the FDA on the market. This cardiopulmonary instrument uses quantitative ultrasound technology to non-invasively detect gaseous emboli in up to three extracorporeal bypass circuit lines. Luna's product provides repeatable, accurate measurement of gaseous emboli previously not quantifiable by the surgical team. Gaseous emboli are air bubbles, variable in size and consistency, which are created during invasive medical procedures such as cardiopulmonary bypass surgery and valve replacements. Many researchers and clinicians agree that one of the most significant risks associated with emboli is the potential for brain damage caused by gaseous micro emboli which can be introduced into the cerebral blood flow during such procedures.

• Medical Simulation (MSC; Denver) reported that it is partnering with the Methodist DeBakey Heart Center (MDBHC; Houston) to provide simulated education services. MSC's SimSuite will help Methodist cardiologists and surgeons learn, practice and update surgical and interventional skills in a simulated environment to practice coronary, carotid, renal, iliac and femoral interventions. "Simulation is a revolutionary and effective new teaching model that helps physicians keep abreast of ever-expanding medical technology," said Alan Lumsden, MD, vascular surgeon at the MDBHC. "The interaction between a high volume, experienced cardiovascular center and an advanced simulation company will assure the continued evolution of simulation technology into even more complex procedures." Bill Younkes, MSC president/CEO, said, "MSC is proud to be associated with the Methodist DeBakey Heart Center, a leader in the advancement of cardiovascular and vascular care that is committed to enhancing the lives of its patients. We are particularly passionate about the opportunity to broaden the procedural experiences of the outstanding MDHC physicians in training, as well as exposing experienced physicians to newly developed procedures." MSC has course offerings for vascular surgery, cardiology, interventional cardiology and interventional radiology, as well as for the hospital-based nurse and emergency room teams.

• QMed (Eatontown, New Jersey) reported that it has extended its agreement with a health plan customer for an additional three years. QMed will continue to provide its interventions for stroke and coronary heart disease. In addition, the company receives a bonus of $550,000 for having achieved specific quality and financial performance measures. Jane Murray, QMed president/CEO, said, "We are obviously gratified to continue our relationship with this health plan. Just as importantly, and consistent with our historical experience, our interventions have shown positive health and financial outcomes in both commercial and Medicare populations," she said. QMed provides evidence-based clinical information management systems around to its health plan customers.

• St. Jude Medical (St. Paul, Minnesota) reported being awarded a Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) contract from Premier Purchasing Partners (San Diego) in a two-year award that began Oct. 1. St. Jude began its CRM relationship with Premier in 2004 through pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator contract awards. The new contract will include the complete line of St. Jude's CRM products, including the expanding line of cardiac resynchronization therapy products, the company said. Premier serves 1,700 hospitals and more than 47,000 other healthcare sites.