InDevR to Develop Automated Hemagglutination Analyzer
BOULDER, CO — InDevR, a Boulder-based life science company, has
received a new NIH SBIR grant to develop an innovative optical system that will automate
interpretation of hemagglutination assays. The 2-year Phase 1 grant (R43AI106054) is sponsored by
the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Hemagglutination and hemagglutination inhibition assays are widely used to characterize viruses and
related antibodies. For example, the hemagglutination inhibition assay is the gold standard for
determining antibody levels produced in response to an influenza vaccine. Both assays rely on
manual interpretation of red-blood cell aggregation in the presence of virus, which can lead to error in the measurement. The product in development at InDevR is designed to automate results
interpretation and provide a more accurate and precise measurement.
“We are delighted to receive support from NIAID to develop an automated hemagglutination
analyzer. This new product is part of our dedicated effort to advance vaccine development and
manufacturing through cutting-edge analytical tools that provide improved results at reduced
cost,” said Dr. Kathy Rowlen, InDevR’s CEO.
According to Rowlen, there is a robust National initiative to improve influenza vaccine
manufacturing. The hemagglutination inhibition assay has been identified as a problematic step in
influenza vaccine characterization. Currently hemagglutination plates are read “by eye”, with a user
carefully inspecting each well in a 96-well plate and manually recording the results. While many of
the assay preparation steps can be automated, plate reading is exclusively manual and represents a
bottleneck in the process. The automated hemagglutination analyzer under development at InDevR
is based on a proprietary optical design (patent pending) with custom software that will enable rapid assessment of each well in a hemagglutination plate and output of a digital record. Automation of plate reading will eliminate the current bottleneck and streamline analysis.
About InDevR
InDevR has a demonstrated commitment to innovative solutions for the life science industry. With
focus on enhancing vaccines and other biotherapeutics, InDevR has emerged as a leader in
progressive new analytical technologies that enable accelerated development and manufacturing of
these life-saving products. For more information about the company and products, please
visitwww.indevr.com or call 303-402-9100.
HHS/NIH/NIAID is not responsible for the contents of this release. The statements contained in this
release do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. Government or HHS.

