• MFIC (Newton, Massachusetts) reported the introduction by its operating subsidiary, Microfluidics, of the M-110P microfluidizer laboratory scale processor. The M-110P, the company’s first portable bench top plug and play unit, can easily be incorporated into any laboratory setting because it is powered by only standard 20 amp household electrical current and requires no compressed air or cooling water. These features of the M-110P provide a formulation solution to customers who have been unable to test and formulate products in the past because they lacked the onsite systems requirements needed to allow them to operate small air operated laboratory units or the three phase electrical requirements needed to operate larger volume laboratory equipment. The M-110P has a range of operating pressures from 2,000 psi to 30,000 psi, enabling the production of nano-suspensions and nano-emulsions, as well as liposomal encapsulation and cell disruption. MFIC, through its Microfluidics division, makes Microfluidizer materials processing and formulation equipment to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetics/personal care, and food industries.

• The Molecular Profiling Institute (Phoenix) said that they are now providing Mammostrat, a new molecular-targeted breast prognostic test, to breast cancer patients. The Mammostrat prognostic test uses five immunohistochemical biomarkers to classify patients into high-, moderate-, or low-risk categories for disease recurrence. Mammostrat uses traditional immunohistochemistry technology, and the test is expected to be less expensive than existing molecular-based, prognostic tests for breast cancer and is typically covered by insurance. The Molecular Profiling Institute is a CLIA-certified specialty reference laboratory that helps patients by applying the discoveries of the Human Genome Project to personalized medicine.

• Power3 Medical Products (Houston), has concluded the initial phase of its international validation study of its blood serum biomarker test for Parkinson’s diseases. The samples used in the study showed that the changes in the blood serum concentration of the protein biomarkers were consistent with previous Power3 results obtained in the U.S. from Parkinson’s disease patients. Power3 has validated its method for collection, storage, shipping, processing, and biostatistical analysis protocols. In validating the company’s method of testing, the study confirms Power3’s ability to reproduce its Parkinson’s disease diagnostic test results with superior sensitivity and specificity. Power3 is a proteomics company specializing in diagnostic tests for early detection of breast cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.