03/03-09   -   Press releases

Frost & Sullivan Lauds Aesku.Diagnostics for Providing an Overall Analysis Platform for a Wide Range of Autoimmune Complications

Based on its recent analysis of the autoimmune disease diagnostics markets, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Aesku.Diagnostics with the 2008 European Frost & Sullivan Product Line Strategy Award for its consistent approach towards product development. It has anticipated and catered to the needs in bio-marker identification, offered versatile immunoassay systems, extended research capabilities as well as delivered unprecedented sensitivity and exceptional performance.

In just eight years of its existence, Aesku.Diagnostics has acquired several antigen and therapy patents and has become a recognised name in the autoimmune diagnostics market in more than 80 countries. It has earned a solid reputation in the market for launching over 140 different products, catering to autoimmune diagnostics and laying equal emphasis on all the major disease sectors under the autoimmune disease diagnostic space.

"Its products fall under two major brands namely, AESKULISA® {enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) kits} and AESKUSLIDES® (immunofluorescence slide panels)," says Frost & Sullivan Suraj Ramanathan. "The AESKU tests are developed based on human recombinant antigens or native antigens (conformational epitopes) depending on the optimal clinical correlation."

ELISA kits are more popular for autoimmune diagnosis; the company provides more than 100 CE marked kits incorporating human recombinant antigens synthesized in-house to assure maximum sensitivity and specificity. The kits can be used for diagnosing rheumatology, thrombosis, gastroenterology, vasculitis, thyroid, diabetes, hepatology and other rare autoimmune complications. While its 30-30-30 test format can be used with most commercially available automated test platforms, its special in-house plate coating and production facility offers a shelf life of up to 24 months with a production capacity of nearly 500 plates per hour.

The AESKUSLIDES® brand encompasses a broad portfolio of immunofluorescence slides. All these slides are vacuum-sealed for longer shelf life as well as stability, and use a highly hydrophobic Teflon mask to avoid sample cross contamination.

Such innovations point to a strong focus on research. Aesku.Diagnostics is looking to centralise its research and production to provide a universal protocol compatible with both automated and manual handling of assays. This development methodology, known as the ´ONE´ Aesku concept, includes one working protocol, one pre-dilution ratio, one buffer system, one reagent system, one calibration range, one cut-off and one assay platform for all available Aesku tests.

"The ´ONE´ clearly improves the lab throughput and reduces the diagnosis time," notes Suraj Ramanathan. "Furthermore, the company has always adhered to providing customers with uninterrupted services and implementing novel strategies such as ´second opinion lab service´, which aid customers with queries regarding sample diagnosis on a complementary basis."

Aesku.Diagnostics has also noted the necessity of automation in the autoimmunity lab, considering a tender is incomplete if the manufacturer/distributor does not offer automation of the tests. To address this need, it has developed HELMED®, an automatic flexible processor capable of running and managing routine tests for autoimmunity and infectious serology within the laboratory.

The HELMED® project, together with the already implemented Aesku ´ONE; concept (the same reagent system and protocol being shared by the complete reagent panel), will give the company the tools and arguments to consolidate sales in mature markets," observes Ramanathan. "It will also increase market shares in the developing markets and have full control of the automation key, so important for the future of the business."

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated the most insight into customer needs and product demands. The recipient company should have optimized its product line by leveraging products with the various price, performance, and feature points required by the market.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

ABOUT AESKU.DIAGNOSTICS

Aesku.Diagnostics, based in Wendelsheim, Germany, is a research-focused supplier of innovative and efficient products and services for the early detection, diagnosis and prognosis of autoimmune diseases. In only nine years since its foundation Aesku has become a recognized name in the autoimmune diagnostics market for launching over 140 different products clearly improving the lab throughput together with uninterrupted services in more than 80 countries worldwide. With Aesku.Systems (Lab automation) and Aesku.Therapy (Autoimmune Therapies) the company diversifies its portfolio consistently to meet upcoming needs in the autoimmune diseases sector. For more information about the Aesku group please visit www.aesku.com.

Contact:

Hugo Ribeiro, International Sales Manager
AESKU.DIAGNOSTICS,
ribeiro@aesku.com
P: 0049 (0) 6734.9627.0
Fax: 0049 (0) 6734.9627.27

About Frost & Sullivan

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Contact:

Ciara Jamie Connolly | Senior Events & Promotions Executive
EMEA, Best Practices, Frost & Sullivan
ciara.connolly@frost.com
P: 0044 (0) 207.915.7868
F: 0044 (0) 207.730.3343

www.frost.com