Nordiag in-licenses antigen technology from Russia for infectious disease testing

Licensing agreement

Norwegian company NorDiag ASA has signed an agreement with the Russian company Bionom acquiring rights to a novel genetic engineering technique that produces purified antigens for infectious disease testing. NorDiag intends to use the technology to develop a panel of diagnostic tests for infectious diseases.

The key feature of the technology is that it mahttp://www.nordiag.com/kes it possible to produce highly specific antigens for pathogens that are difficult to detect or diagnose. This will underpin the development of improved diagnostics for diseases such as tuberculosis and Lyme disease.  

“This method, based on purified specific antigens, will be a major opportunity for NorDiag in the diagnostic market for infectious diseases,” said Mårten Wigstøl, CEO.

“Together with Bionom we have technology and know-how to develop tests that can outperform existing tests, both with respect to performance and price. The low

cost basis will enable us to sell the tests in the third world where current diagnostics are too expensive.”

Following the agreement, NorDiag will set up a project to develop and commercialise the test, including a dedicated team of five researchers working on development and optimisation at Bionom.

The first products will be introduced to the market in 2010. No financial details were disclosed.