Analytik Jena to Develop Products for Sepsis Diagnostics

SIRS-Lab, a company that develops molecular diagnostics methods and testing systems for life-threatening infections such as sepsis, filed for insolvency in December 2012.

Analytik Jena AG, which will also obtain the entire range of product expertise, including more than 50 patents and 10 employees at the Jena site, will be entering the worldwide growth market of sepsis diagnostics, continuing the development work and expertise of SIRS-Lab in this field. Analytik Jena in its stronger focus on routine diagnostics will work more closely with hospital and clinical partners in the process.

SIRS-Lab was founded in 2000 as a spin-off of the Friedrich Schiller University at the Jena Sepsis Competence Center by a team of scientists. The aim of the scientists was to combat the high mortality rate associated with sepsis (blood poisoning). With the product LOOXSTER, the company developed a patented technology for concentrating bacterial and fungal DNA in diagnostic samples. This product is used in VYOO, the CE marked product for sepsis diagnostics. SIRS-Lab was also developing a gene expression product (SIQNATURE) to indicate the body’s immune response to an infection. A related test developed by SIRS-Lab is almost ready for the market. All SIRS-Lab developments are designed to enable improved and faster diagnostics on patients with systemic infections.

Analytik Jena is a company that has been providing instruments and products in the areas of analytical measuring technology, life science, and optoelectronics. Its portfolio includes analytical technology, systems for bioanalytical applications in the life science area, and high-end optical consumer products.

Comprehensive laboratory software management and information systems (LIMS), service offerings, as well as device-specific consumables and disposables, such as reagents or plastic articles, complete the Group’s extensive range of products.

“In recent years, SIRS-Lab has built up considerable competence in the field of sepsis analytics and has achieved initial successes. The results from a first application study are highly promising. The aim is to identify life-threatening infections quickly and early. In particular, the region around Jena with the University Hospital and various research institutions offers excellent conditions to allow us to be able to serve this large market with products in the future,” said Klaus Berka, CEO of Analytik Jena AG.

Related Links:
SIRS-lab GmbH
Analytik Jena