GenCell Biosystems has signed an agreement with the Fiocruz Public Health Foundation and the Institute of Molecular Biology of Paraná (IBMP) in Brazil to partner in the development of new clinical screening systems to address Brazilian Ministry of Health needs. The systems will use GenCell’s patented genetic analysis technologies and perform IVD diagnostics across a range of applications.

GenCell will work with IBMP, Bio-Manguinhos Technology Institute of Immunobiology and Fiocruz to develop clinical standard diagnostic systems in a two-year development program to diagnose infectious diseases in the Brazilian national public health system. The initial phase of the program is valued in excess of USD$12m [to be funded by both parties]. Over the longer term the program is expected to lead to significant follow-on sales for GenCell in Brazil.

GenCell’s Composite Liquid Cell (CLC) technology will be at the heart of a new instrument platform. GenCell technology will be used to screen for several different types of pathogen in a range of sample types, including bloods, augmenting current health programs that depend on many different IVD (Intravenous Diagnostic) platforms.

The new platforms will deliver a rapid, proven and cost effective diagnostic result using GenCell’s advanced microfluidic technology. Fiocruz will develop and provide key biological tests, assist in defining system features, and help GenCell to adhere to stringent Brazilian regulatory requirements.

GenCell has patented a breakthrough genetic analysis technology that addresses key diagnostic challenges including detection sensitivity, throughput and cost. GenCell’s CLC diagnostic system mirrors nature by performing genetic tests within inert synthetic cells composed of minute amounts of oil. It uses microfluidic processes and special light wavelengths to automatically analyse sample constituents identifying DNA profiles and the presence of pathogens.

The unique GenCell system enables integrated and fully automated sample preparation delivering true “sample-in, answer-out” performance. GenCell technology requires smaller reaction sizes whilst maintaining high pathogen sensitivity.

Dr. Kieran Curran, Founder and CEO of GenCell Biosystems said: “This is an exciting partnership with potentially far reaching benefits for healthcare in Brazil. Our technology has a unique advantage in its capacity to generate high quality diagnostic information, more quickly and at less cost. We are delighted to work with IBMP and Fiocruz, who are recognized as the most prominent science and technology health institutions in Latin America. We look forward to using our technology to significantly contribute to healthcare in Brazil.”

Dr. Mario Moreira, Director, Molecular Biology Institute of Paraná (IBMP) said: “The national health system of Brazil serves over 150 million users. There are several public health programs that depend on reliable IVD platforms to detect and diagnose infectious as well as chronic-degenerative diseases. Thus, the provision of state-of-the-art IVD platforms is an essential element of public health care. Safety is of paramount importance and this is underpinned by the adoption of ever more sensitive technology throughout our existing IVD infrastructure. We are seeking to even further enhance safeguards, and this is the ambition of our partnership in using GenCell’s technology.”

Until now, this type of analysis process has typically involved the intensive use of multiple resources at costs that prohibited widespread adoption. GenCell’s system brings the various stages of sample testing into a single system. It holds the promise of allowing users to massively increase the quality, quantity and speed at which IVD samples are processed.

About GenCell

https://www.gencellbio.com/

GenCell Biosystems is a developer of innovative microfluidic technology that is used for the improvement of human, animal and plant health. Its systems contribute to scientific discovery by enabling researchers to perform genetic analysis quicker and at lesser cost. GenCell technologies address key biological analysis protocols: from sample preparation for next generation sequencing to genotyping and diagnostic screening, all using its patented Composite Liquid Cell technology.

GenCell’s Composite Liquid Cell technology mirrors nature by performing molecular biology within inert synthetic cells. These cells are an ideal environment to perform biological chemistry and can be integrated into many different instrument configurations. The company works with clients to develop high-performance genetics instrumentation and has a number of major international customers.

GenCell currently employs 45 staff – many of whom are Ph.D. level engineers and scientist in areas including molecular biology, mechanical & electrical engineering, software and business management. The company is based in Limerick and has offices at Madison, Wisconsin, in the United States.

About FIOCRUZ

https://portal.fiocruz.br/

Fiocruz is a public foundation, directly linked to the Brazilian Ministry of Health, tasked to produce, disseminate and share knowledge and technologies aimed at the strengthening and consolidation of the Unified Health System of Brazil. Fiocruz also contributes to the promotion of health and quality of life of the Brazilian population, the reduction of social inequalities through the adoption of technical innovation, with the goal of defending of the right to health of citizens as a core value. Fiocruz employs 8000 staff (1,000 Ph.D.and 1200 Masters) encompassing all fields related to public health.