• Aureon Laboratories (Yonkers, New York) reported completing a development project with AstraZeneca (London) designed to identify patients with non-small-cell lung cancer that may benefit from treatment with the drug Iressa. The project combined a patient’s clinical data with tumor biomarker profiles and image analysis features using on-slide technologies and machine learning approaches developed at Aureon. Aureon confirmed that specific clinical features appear associated with overall survival and has identified several protein biomarkers which appear important in predicting prognosis. Aureon’s systems pathology platform includes computer based image analysis of tumor tissue samples and tissue-based, quantitative biomarker assessment coupled with sophisticated mathematical tools to develop models of response and outcome prediction. Aureon operates a CLIA- and CAP-certified laboratory that provides predictive pathology services to the practicing physician.

• BD Diagnostics (San Diego), a segment of BD, reported that it has made a 510(k) submission to the FDA, for additional claims for the BD GeneOhm Staph assay. This will be the first assay for rapid and simultaneous identification of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from patients colonized in the nasal passage. The BD GeneOhm Staph assay is a test that provides results within two hours directly from nasal swabs. The company said the assay is easy to perform and requires less technologist time than traditional microbiology algorithms, which can take two days to generate results. Identifying patients colonized with MRSA or SA bacteria in advance of surgery helps ensure patients have an opportunity to be decolonized and receive the appropriate prophylactic antibiotics prior to surgery. This reduces the risk of a potentially deadly surgical site infection. BD is focused on improving drug therapy, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases, and advancing research and discovery of new drugs and vaccines.

• Diagnostic Hybrids (Athens, Ohio) reported the release of its D³ DFA Varicella-zoster virus identification kit for the qualitative identification of Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in cell culture by immunofluorescence. The kit is for in vitro diagnostic use and uses a blend of monoclonal antibodies directed against two specific VZV proteins. The D³ is a complement to Diagnostic Hybrids’ Varicella-zoster virus testing system which includes the Flocked Swab/UTM for specimen collection and transport, the H&V-Mix mixed cell culture system which allows for the rapid isolation of VZV, and now the D³ DFA Varicella-zoster virus identification kit. Diagnostic Hybrids makes diagnostic and analytical products for viral respiratory diseases, herpes virus infections, and other specific viral and thyroid diseases.