The Swedish biotech company AbSorber has entered into an agreement with BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) regarding XM-ONE, AbSorber's novel CE-marked transplantation cross match test kit. Under the agreement, BD receives exclusive rights to distribute XM-ONE in all markets, apart from the Nordic region.
AbSorber maintains the rights to the product in the Nordic region and will also maintain responsibility for further research and development activities on the test.
XM-ONE is a standardized cross match test for detection of antibodies against endothelial cells, the cells lining the blood vessels. These cells constitute the first contact point between the transplanted organ and the immune system of the recipient. Current cross matching is performed by using cells from the immune system instead of endothelial cells, which allows testing for antibodies specific for major transplantation (histocompatibility) antigens but that does not allow testing for antibodies specific for
antigens only expressed on endothelial cells.
BD expects to commence marketing and sales of XM-ONE in Europe in December 2006 and will be working closely with AbSorber on the launch strategy for the US AbSorber will begin marketing XMONE in the Nordic region in November 2006.
"With its strong dedication to the product, I am convinced BD is an ideal partner for XM-ONE. We share the ambition to significantly improve the outcome of transplantations", says Ingemar Lagerlöf, CEO of AbSorber.
"BD is proud to offer transplantation centers a leading edge sample preparation technology for measurement of IgG and IgM antibodies specific for endothelial cells, which will become an important tool for the evaluation of tissue compatibility between patient and donor and provide an improved base for decision-making. XM-ONE is an advanced, yet robust, tool that we foresee will be in great demand at these centers", says Bob Ferrigno, VP & General Manager, BD Diagnostics - Preanalytical Systems,
Europe.
The XM-ONE cross match test is a unique standardized test based on endothelial cells. It contains all of the components necessary for collection of blood, separation of endothelial precursor cells and detection of IgG and IgM class antibodies to donor endothelial cells. In contrast to current cross match testing, XM-ONE rapidly detects antibodies specific for endothelial specific antigens as well as antibodies specific for major transplantation antigens.
Preformed antibodies specific for antigens on donor endothelial cells are thought to play an important role in the development of rejections of a transplanted organ. Most rejections are managed by high doses of immunosuppressants, but some lead to loss of the transplanted organ. By using XM-ONE, which provides additional information compared to the tests used today, there will be a better option for decisions on the need for immunosuppressive treatment.
BD, a leading global medical technology company that manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents, is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. 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. Headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, USA, BD employs more than 25,000 people in approximately 50 countries throughout the world.
AbSorber AB develops products that will increase the possibility to perform more successful transplantations. The privately held company was founded in 1999 based on inventions made by associate professor Jan Holgersson and associate professor Suchitra Holgersson at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden. XM-ONE, a transplantation test kit, is AbSorber's first product.
For further information, please contact:
Lars Martin, Vice President Sales & Marketing +46 - 8 508 939 88