Microbix Biosystems Inc. (
TSX: MBX, OTCQX: MBXBF,
Microbix®), a life sciences innovator, manufacturer, and
exporter, and American Proficiency Institute
(
API), a groundbreaking supplier of proficiency
testing (“
PT”) to over 20,000 clinical
laboratories, announce the start of a pilot PT program to ensure
that molecular diagnostic (“
MDx”) assays can
detect the emerging H5N1 strain of the Influenza A virus
(“
H5N1 Flu”).
Strains of the Flu are named according to
variations in the proteins that help them to infect host cells –
the Hemagglutinin (“H”) protein and the
Neuraminidase (“N”) protein. There is a heightened
risk of a pandemic when one or both of the H or N proteins have not
been circulating in human populations. H5N1 is such a relatively
novel strain of the Flu virus, which has demonstrated the ability
to infect birds, cattle, and humans. H5N1 Flu is now circulating on
multiple continents and may become a new pandemic, with it having
demonstrated a staggering rate of severe pneumonia and death across
those infected thus far.
It is therefore critical to prove whether
established MDx tests can accurately and reliably detect H5N1 Flu.
Such MDx Flu tests include both regulator-approved assays and
laboratory-developed tests, respectively classed as “IVD” and
“LDT”. Clinical labs must objectively prove that every such assay
they are using can reliably detect H5N1 Flu – requiring novel
quality assessment products (“QAPs™”) and new PT
programs.
Microbix and API have been collaborating to
fulfill this critical and urgent need. Using its virology and
synthetic biology expertise, Microbix has created a novel QAP that
provides the whole genome of H5N1 Flu, but which does not require
use of nor contain any infectious materials. In turn, API is
initiating a proficiency testing program whereby clinical labs can
independently confirm their MDx assays and the established
workflows in use will reliably detect H5N1 Flu. This pilot PT
program is now live, and API will invite a limited number of labs
to participate before such a program is offered to all API
clients.
Sue Harmer, President of API, commented, “API
believes it is critical that we determine which widely-used MDx
assays can or can’t reliably detect H5N1 Flu. Such knowledge is
critical for mounting an effective health system response to this
emerging pandemic threat. The API team is proud to be collaborating
with Microbix and our clinical lab customers to initiate a PT
program that fulfills this urgent need.”
Cameron Groome, CEO & President of Microbix,
also commented, “We’re pleased to create the QAPs that enable this
vital API PT program to determine which MDx tests will or won’t
detect H5N1 Flu. Whether it is classical techniques or cutting-edge
synthetic biology, Microbix is fully-staffed and equipped to safely
create and manufacture such critically-needed test control products
for use around the world.”
Clinical labs can request to enroll in this API
pilot PT program by reaching out to TechSupport@api-pt.com and
enquiries about Microbix QAPs can be directed to
customer.service@microbix.com.
About APIAPI is a
groundbreaking provider of proficiency testing programs for more
than 20,000 clinical laboratories around the world. Its programs
support all areas of laboratory medicine and is dedicated to
improving the accuracy and efficiency of clinical laboratory
testing. API’s PT programs are approved by the Centers for Medicare
& Medicaid Services (CMS), accepted by the College of American
Pathologists (CAP), and are internationally accredited under the
ISO/IEC 17043:2010 standard through the American Association for
Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). API offers over 300 programs for
proficiency testing, as well as free continuing education and
competency testing.
About Microbix Biosystems
Inc.Microbix Biosystems Inc. creates proprietary
biological products for human health, with over 100 skilled
employees and sales now targeting C$ 2.0 million or more per month.
It makes and exports a wide range of critical ingredients and
devices for the global diagnostics industry, notably antigens for
immunoassays and its laboratory quality assessment products (QAPs™)
that support clinical lab proficiency testing, enable assay
development and validation, or help ensure the quality of clinical
diagnostic workflows. Its antigens drive the antibody tests of
approximately 100 diagnostics makers, while QAPs are sold to
clinical lab accreditation organizations, diagnostics companies,
and clinical labs. Microbix QAPs are now available in over 30
countries, supported by a network of international distributors.
Microbix is ISO 9001 & 13485 accredited, U.S. FDA registered,
Australian TGA registered, Health Canada establishment licensed,
and provides IVDR compliant CE marked products across the EU.
Forward-Looking InformationThis
news release includes “forward-looking information,” as such term
is defined in applicable securities laws. Forward-looking
information includes, without limitation, discussion of H5N1 and
tests for it, the QAPs, the PT program, API, or their relevance,
Microbix’s products or services, business and business results,
goals or outlook, risks associated with financial results and
stability, development projects such as those referenced in its
presentations, regulatory compliance and approvals, sales to
foreign jurisdictions, engineering and construction, production
(including control over costs, quality, quantity or timeliness of
delivery), currency exchange rates, maintaining adequate working
capital or raising new capital on acceptable terms or at all, and
other similar statements about anticipated future events,
conditions or results that are not historical facts. These
statements reflect management’s current estimates, beliefs,
intentions, and expectations; they are not guarantees of future
performance. Microbix cautions that all forward-looking information
is inherently uncertain, and actual performance may be affected by
many material factors, some of which are beyond its control.
Accordingly, actual future events, conditions and results may
differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions, and
expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking
information. All statements are made as of the date of this news
release and represent Microbix’s judgement as of the date of this
new release, and it is under no obligation to update or alter any
forward-looking information.
Please visit https://microbix.com or
www.sedar.com for recent Microbix news and filings.
For further information, please contact Microbix
at:
Cameron Groome, CEO(905) 361-8910 |
Jim Currie, CFO(905) 361-8910 |
Deborah Honig, Investor RelationsAdelaide Capital Markets(647)
203-8793 ir@microbix.com |
|
|
|
Copyright © 2025 Microbix Biosystems Inc.
Microbix® and QAPs™ are trademarks of Microbix Biosystems Inc.
Microbix Biosystems (TSX:MBX)
Graphique Historique de l'Action
De Jan 2025 à Fév 2025
Microbix Biosystems (TSX:MBX)
Graphique Historique de l'Action
De Fév 2024 à Fév 2025