- ThermoBrite® Elite, an automated laboratory assistant, is capable of automating most steps in FISH sample preparation, enabling meaningful increases in productivity, standardization and reproducibility
- ThermoBrite Elite to be fully launched and commercially available in 1Q 2012
CHATSWORTH, Calif., Nov. 17, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IRIS International, Inc. (Nasdaq:IRIS), a leading manufacturer of automated in-vitro diagnostics systems and consumables, and a developer of high-value personalized diagnostics tests, today announced that its Iris Sample Processing division has introduced the ThermoBrite Elite, the company's automated FISH sample preparation platform, at the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) 2011 Annual Meeting being held in Grapevine, Texas.
"ThermoBrite Elite is a multi-purpose, bench-top instrument for automating the highly repetitive, manual laboratory protocols used in FISH (fluorescence in-situ hybridization) and other ISH (in-situ hybridization) testing for both clinical and research applications. The introduction of the ThermoBrite Elite represents a significant extension of our core product platforms in our Iris Sample Processing division and will significantly enhance our competitive positioning in the high growth cytogenetic instrumentation market. We are looking forward to the full market release in the first quarter of 2012," stated César García, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of IRIS International.
With the increasing rate of adoption of FISH testing as standard protocol for cancer diagnostics development and application, laboratories performing as few as 10 tests per day are requiring a higher level of automation and standardization. Management estimates there are approximately 4,000 of these laboratories in the clinical and research market that will be targeted.
FISH uses nucleic acid probes, which are segments of labeled DNA that are designed to hybridize or bind to the target DNA of a positive specimen. The probes are labeled with fluorescent or chromogenic molecules to enable the identification of genetic abnormalities, providing valuable information about cancer and other genetic diseases.
"The protocols used for FISH testing are time and temperature sensitive and can take up to eight hours of hands-on processing time for solid tumor samples. Through independent laboratory evaluations, ThermoBrite Elite has proven to reduce technologist's labor by at least 50% while avoiding potential operator errors, fulfilling a significant need in the marketplace as there is a declining number of CLIA-certified technicians," stated Robert Mello, President of the Iris Sample Processing Division.
"An easy-to-use graphic user interface offers standard protocols for blood, urine or solid tumor FISH procedures or the user can customize protocols for other tests," Mr. Mello added. "Twelve slides can be processed per run, with up to ten reagents dispensed and three independent waste ports for selective disposal. We are looking forward to bringing this exciting new product offering to the market in the first quarter of 2012."
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) 2011 Annual Meeting will be held November 17 - 19 at the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. The three day event features workshops and plenary sessions in the major areas of clinical molecular diagnostics and includes an Exhibit Hall with more than 120 exhibiting companies.
About IRIS International, Inc.
IRIS International, Inc. is a leading global in vitro diagnostics company focused on products that analyze particles and living cell forms and structures, or morphology of a variety of body fluids. The Company's products leverage its strengths in flow imaging technology, particle recognition and automation to bring efficiency to hospital and commercial laboratories. The initial applications for its technology have been in the urinalysis market and the Company is the leading worldwide provider of automated urine microscopy and chemistry systems, with an installed base of more than 3,400 systems in more than 50 countries. The Company is expanding its core imaging and morphology expertise into related markets, including applications in hematology and body fluids. In addition, the Company's personalized medicine group has a high complexity CLIA-certified laboratory for the further development and commercialization of the Company's NADiA ultra-sensitive nucleic acid detection immunoassay platform, with applications in oncology and infectious disease. For more information, please visit www.proiris.com.
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This press release contains forward-looking statements made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Company's views on future financial performance, market growth, capital requirements, regulatory developments, new product introductions and acquisitions, and are generally identified by phrases such as "thinks," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," ,"plans," and similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are inherently subject to uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statement. These statements are based upon, among other things, assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management, including management's own knowledge and assessment of the Company's industry, R&D initiatives, competition and capital requirements. Other factors and uncertainties that could affect the Company's forward-looking statements include, among other things, the following: identification of feasible new product initiatives, management of R&D efforts and the resulting successful development of new products and product platforms; obtaining regulatory approvals for new and enhanced products; acceptance by customers of the Company's products; integration of acquired businesses; substantial expansion of international sales; reliance on key suppliers; the potential need for changes in long-term strategy in response to future developments; future advances in diagnostic testing methods and procedures; potential changes in government regulations and healthcare policies, both of which could adversely affect the economics of the diagnostic testing procedures automated by the Company's products; rapid technological change in the microelectronics and software industries; and competitive factors, including pricing pressures and the introduction by others of new products with similar or better functionality than our products. These and other risks are more fully described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which should be read in conjunction herewith for a further discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.