Date: Thu, 18 Dec 1997 18:00:07 GMT Server: NCSA/1.5.2 Last-modified: Mon, 02 Jun 1997 15:09:22 GMT Content-type: text/html Content-length: 2446
Only rarely does a company create an entirely new diagnostic technology platform. T Cell Sciences' TRAx ® assay invention is an example of one of these rare breakthroughs. Launched in the U.S. market in 1995, the TRAx® CD4 product introduces the simplicity and cost effectiveness of ELISA-based testing as an alternative to flow cytometry.
The technology used in TRAx products is elegant in its simplicity. A non-ionic detergent is used to breakup cells; the presence and amount of a target marker or cell type is then determined by a standard immunoassay. TRAx CD4 measures the number of CD4 cells in blood; these levels primarily are used in monitoring the health of HIV-infected individuals. TRAx CD4 is just the first product utilizing this technology. CD8 will be the next test introduced.
T Cell Sciences will realize the value of the TRAx-based technology through distribution and licensing agreements with other companies. First priority has been to bring the TRAx immunoassay kit to market. T Cell is reaching this goal through a sales and distribution agreement signed with Diamedix Corporation in December 1995 covering the United States. The Diamedix agreement, combined with a five-year manufacturing agreement reached with Endogen, Inc. in March 1996, improves T Cell's marketing position while reducing selling, distribution and manufacturing costs. T Cell already has a distribution agreement with Yamanouchi for TRAx kits in Japan. T Cell plans to enter into additional kit distribution contracts, as well as licensing arrangements, that will bring the proprietary technology to selected automated equipment manufacturers.