Protagen AG Launches Landmark First Research Test Kit for Systemic Sclerosis

Protagen AG, a company dedicated to the development of powerful diagnostic tools to address some of the most severe autoimmune diseases, has today launched its first ELISA research use test kit for Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), the ADx®SSc Multilisa®. Protagen developed the new assay to synergistically combine two proprietary, novel disease markers with two standard diagnostic markers to support medical research in autoimmune diseases.

Stefan Müllner, CEO of Protagen AG, said: “Based on our long track record in the discovery and validation of autoantigen biomarkers using the proprietary SeroTag® technology, our development pipeline is built on a strong patent portfolio and designed to support clinical research, targeted therapy, and the continuous delivery of novel diagnostic products.”

Systemic sclerosis is one of a number of complex autoimmune diseases that Protagen is working to address with research tools to help clinical researchers in their work to identify markers for improved diagnostics. This new introduction represents a key milestone in the company’s pipeline. Müllner added, “This underscores our strategy to provide new, improved solutions and product options in autoimmune indications on a continuous basis, enable better therapeutic decision making and improve the diagnostic process for clinicians and, importantly, patients.”

ADx®SSc Multilisa® is intended for use as a scientific research-use only (RUO) product, and is in further clinical testing to build a diagnostic claim for early disease detection or stratification from August 2014.