Immunoassay
The immunoassay is an important technique for biomarker measurement. Immunoassays account for approximately 20% of the US$38 billion per annum in vitro diagnostics market and many of these assays could easily be transferred to the fast growing point-of-care segment if a more appropriate technology existed. Universal Biosensors' first immunoassay is a test for D-dimer a biomarker for thrombosis.
Conditions which are associated with high D-dimer levels include deep venous thrombosis (clots in the leg) and pulmonary embolism (clots in the lung). PE and DVT, collectively referred to as venous thromboembolism (VTE), affect up to 3 million patients annually and kill up to 200,000 of them, more than breast cancer and HIV combined. However, up to 75% of patients with suspected VTE do not actually have the disease. A negative D-dimer test enables the safe and immediate rule out of VTE in suspected cases, preventing unnecessary and costly additional testing.
In addition to D-dimer, other immunoassay fields that are experiencing significant growth include cardiac markers and oncology markers. With a truly universal immunoassay test, Universal Biosensors will have the opportunity to expand into a broad range of growing markets.