Analytik Jena subsidiary obtained approval for two ELISA-based tests for detection of PRRSV

01-Jul-2013 - Germany

AJ Roboscreen recently obtained the approval for two new assays for screening of swine sera for PRRSV (porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus) antibodies and for evaluation. The new ELISA-based tests differentiate into PRRSV Type I (Europe-Type) and Type II (North America-Type). The ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is an immunoassay to detect proteins in liquid samples.

"At present PRRSV causes the most important economical loss in pig industry. According to estimates, 70-80 % of all enterprises in Germany are affected by PRRSV. At least 30,000 to 35,000 tests are used for sow and piglet enterprises in Saxony per year; this corresponds to 40 % of all sows in this federal state in Germany. Resulting reproductive problems and pneumonia lead to reduced growth and vulnerability for secondary infection", said Alexander Berka, Manager of the Life Science business unit at Analytik Jena AG. Infected animals quickly spread PRRSV within a flock via contaminated body fluids. Losses of 25 € to 250 € per breeding sow and year are estimated. For this reason several vaccination programs are trying to raise immunity of the flocks. "Effective containment substantially depends on early identification and quick isolation or removal of infected animals", continued Alexander Berka.

Based on a licensing agreement with the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Analytik Jena developed the two new assays PRRSV DETECT-ELISA and PRRSV NA/EU TYP-ELISA. The new ELISAs currently are a unique solution on the market for PRRSV antibody detection and differentiation for effective control and containment of this infectious and economically devastating disease.

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Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous