NEW YORK, June 21 (GenomeWeb News) - The Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, which is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said that it has signed a letter of intent with Australian biotech Proteome Systems to "fast track" the development of a rapid antigen-based diagnostic test for active tuberculosis.
FIND announced the collaboration today at BIO 2005 in Philadelphia.
Proteome Systems' test is expected to detect TB antigens indicating active TB infection in the human body. The test will also monitor disease progression and response to treatment in TB patients regardless of the immune status of the host, FIND said.
Stephen Porges, Proteome Systems' CEO, said that the partnership with FIND "will provide the critical support to speed the development of the test in addition to clinical material, assistance with clinical trials and fast tracking of registration, in return for exclusive royalty-free rights to distribute the product in the public health sector in developing countries."