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New Osteoporosis Assay from Astra Biotech GmbH

Astra Biotech
7 Nov 2010
bridget bridget
Laboratory Director

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Osteoporosis affects over 75 million people worldwide and in a single year there are more than 9 million instances of osteoporotic fractures making it the fourth most significant non-infectious disease after cardiovascular disorders, cancer and diabetes. It is now known that Osteoporosis and the subsequent risk of fracture is under genetic control (The Genomos Study) with the genes of Collagen type 1 (COLIA1) and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) being of significant importance in this process.

Genetic testing allows potential sufferers of the disease to identify their increased risk of developing osteoporosis and to start preventative treatment as soon as possible.

Astra Biotech GmbH have now developed the new Osteoporosis Kit diagnostic test kit using RT-PCR for the detection of polymorphisms in the COLIA1 and VDR genes to improve the identification of defects which result in abnormalities in bone matrix mineralization.

The Osteoporosis assay is an assay which tests both polymorphisms and is more sensitive and convenient than alternative assays. The new kit includes all the necessary primers, enzymes, positive controls and buffers sufficient for 100 assays. The Osteoporosis assay is produced following strict quality control procedures and using only certified high purity reagents, being in addition IVD compliant and therefore suitable for clinical applications. If the risk of osteoporosis is identified at an early stage then suitable treatment regimes may be introduced to minimise the risk of bone deterioration in line with Astra Biotech GmbH’s philosophy that prevention is better than a cure.

Astra Biotech GmbH also manufacture kits for the detection of hereditary thrombophilia and the determination of an individuals susceptibility or resistance to oral anticoagulants plus a wide range of convenient ELISA assays offering exceptional value for money to small or medium sized laboratories.

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Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.ProteomicsProteomics is the systemic bioinformatics study of proteins and amino acids, including their structure, size, function and identification. Tools used in proteomics include chromatography, blotting and gels, protein arrays, mass spectrometry and ELISA and associated analysis software. Analyzers and proteomic systems should be sensitive, high resolution, fast and may be automated for high-throughput.Point-of-CarePoint-of-Care Testing (POCT) or Near Patient Testing (NPT) products are available for urine, blood and other clinical chemistry analyses. POCT includes: blood glucose testing, blood gas and electrolytes analysis, rapid coagulation testing (PT / INR), rapid cardiac markers diagnostics, drugs of abuse screening, urine strips testing, pregnancy testing, fecal occult blood analysis, food pathogens screening, hemoglobin diagnostics, infectious disease testing and cholesterol screening.Protein PurificationProtein purification is a vital step in drug discovery, therapeutics, biotech and life science research. The purification process typically involves subcellular or membrane protein extraction with cell lysis kits, separation of proteins from cell debris by filtration or spin columns, and the isolation of proteins of interest from other proteins and impurities with affinity purification (including fusion protein tags and antibody binding proteins A, G and L), immunoprecipitation or chromatographic methods, such as ion exchange, size exclusion and immobilized metal affinity chromatography. All purification methods come in multiple formats for your laboratory needs, including agarose or magnetic beads, resins, columns and filter plates. Find the best protein purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :

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New Osteoporosis Assay from Astra Biotech GmbH