DIAGMAL is a collaborative research project, funded by the European Commission Seventh Framework Programme, which targets the development of a new molecular diagnostic test for malaria. The project began in 2013 and is now beginning preparations for a field trial in Vietnam. Ginolis, along with KIT Biomedical Research of the Netherlands, German Q-Bioanalytic and UK-based Abington Healthare the project participants.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites which are transmitted through bites from Anopheles mosquitoes. Around 3.3 billion people are at risk and millions are infected every year. There are five different types of Plasmodium parasite species that cause malaria and different therapeutic strategies are required to treat each of them. The goal of this project is to develop a more sensitive POC test that allows for earlier diagnosis and recognition of Plasmodium parasite species within minutes of taking fresh blood sample. By utilizing the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique to amplify the DNA from the Plasmodium parasite, it is detectable on an immunoassay strip. Since the test is done on a fresh blood sample, no processing of blood is required and results are available within minutes. There are currently no rapid molecular tests for the Plasmodium parasite on the market.
Ginolis has developed an enclosed CT unit which transfers the fresh blood sample and buffer solution onto the immunoassay strip for testing. Once the solution is dispensed onto the immunoassay strip, testing is complete within minutes. The CTU provides a safe, enclosed transfer unit that eliminates cross-contamination risk and improves the safety of health care officials. Preparations for the September 2015 field trial are currently underway
For further information visit the project website www.diagmal.eu
Contact
Mr. Matti Koivu
VP, Business Development
tel. +358 400 544376
email: matti.koivu@ginolis.com
About Ginolis
Ginolis specializes in developing and providing cost efficient, disposable test platforms combined with automatic manufacturing solutions for the global diagnostic and MedTech industries. The company’s solutions are characterized by high precision, modularity and an ability to handle fluids in nano-scale. The modular approach is based on our proprietary high precision robot and pump technologies, which facilitate the combination of flexibility and accuracy required for diagnostics production. Ginolis holds several patents and licenses for technologies in dispensing, microfluidics, electronic valves, optics and micro fabrication. Established in 2010, Ginolis is privately owned and headquartered in Oulu, Finland, with subsidiaries in Uppsala, Sweden and San Diego, USA.
Further information visit ginolis.com
