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STMicroelectronics Announces Biochip Development Agreement with MobiDiag for Molecular Diagnostics |
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ST at Chips to Hits, Boston, 28-31 October, Booth #627 Geneva, October 29, 2003 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) today announced a joint development agreement with MobiDiag to create a complete system for genomic-based detection of infectious diseases based on a silicon MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) biochip. The system will allow clinical diagnostics laboratories faster, cheaper, and more user-friendly access to genomic-based techniques that will revolutionize the way infectious diseases are detected. Rising health-care costs along with the threat of widespread antibiotic resistance have generated a growing need for rapid and cost-efficient diagnostic solutions. Current testing methods, lacking in automation, speed, and accuracy, are unable to rise to these challenges. In October 2002, ST announced the development of a disposable, standalone device that performs DNA amplification and detection of target DNA sequences. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique performed on the device is implemented using a silicon MEMS chip in which channels buried in the silicon carry the mixture of sample and reagents while highly accurate resistive heating elements perform the temperature cycling. Using this device, the PCR technique can be applied in a compact analysis tool that only requires very small quantities of the costly reagents. Disposable cartridges will ensure ease of use and greatly reduce the risk of cross-contamination of samples. Currently, conventional laboratories perform DNA analysis with large and costly equipment that can take several hours to use. Consequently, physicians must frequently prescribe antibiotics or antivirals prior to determining the exact pathogen causing an infection. The ST/MobiDiag solution will reduce the cost and complexity of the diagnosis by producing consumables that will be very competitive and offer superior performance compared to existing solutions. In addition, rapid results can be obtained and therapeutics prescribed in response to test results. This will help reduce improper treatment with antibiotics, the overuse of which has resulted in increasing antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria and the decreasing effectiveness of many commonly prescribed antibiotics. "We feel there is enormous potential in using a silicon-based lab-on-a-chip for genomic detection of infectious diseases," said Ugo Carena, Vice President for the Computer Peripherals and Industrial Group of ST, "This alliance joins two of the key competencies needed to develop a marketable biochip product; the micro-fluidics technology from ST, and the molecular microbiology expertise from MobiDiag. Their unique understanding of infectious disease diagnostics and of our target market makes them the ideal partner to generate a complete system. With this partnership we believe we carry the entire spectrum of knowledge needed to detect key diseases and produce a marketable product." "These products will offer clinical diagnostic laboratories worldwide a way to improve the treatment of common infections and attain cost savings through improved patient outcomes, reduced hospital stays, and reduced use of antibiotics," said Jaakko Pellosniemi, CEO of MobiDiag. "By integrating ST's silicon expertise with our diagnostic assays, a doctor will have the ability to conduct simultaneous detection of large panels of different pathogens that represent distinct groups of related infections." About The Technology STMicroelectronics' micro-fluidic MEMS technology makes it possible to create a micromachined silicon chip with very fine channels for the manipulation of microliter quantities of liquid. This liquid can be moved through the capillaries and can be heated to very precisely controlled temperatures. Miniaturization of the diagnostic device means that smaller samples can be used, the quantity of reagents is reduced, and reaction times are consequently much shorter. Silicon is the ideal material for micro-fluidic applications because it has good thermal conductivity, allowing a uniform temperature to be maintained over a wide area. It also has a low thermal capacity, allowing fast thermal cycles. Silicon also has the unique advantage of allowing electronic controls to be integrated on the same piece of silicon plus the convenience of being based on mainstream chip-manufacturing technology. ST has developed samples of a disposable, standalone device, which performs DNA amplification into buried silicon channels, and detection of target DNA sequences. ST and MobiDiag will provide complete systems to development partners in 2004, with a commercial product available to diagnostic labs in 2005. About MobiDiag MobiDiag is one of the emerging innovators in the field of biochip-based molecular diagnostics of infectious diseases. MobiDiag's use of broad-range universal approaches enables the rapid simultaneous detection of a large number of different pathogens, and the company's products provide significant advantages in the speed, reliability, and safety of infectious disease testing. To date MobiDiag has developed biochip panels for respiratory tract infections as well as for life threatening infections in hospitalized patients. MobiDiag was established in the year 2000 and is based in Helsinki, Finland. The company has provided diagnostic services to hospitals since February 2002. More information on MobiDiag can be found at www.MobiDiag.com. About STMicroelectronics STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2002, the Company's net revenues were $6.32 billion and net earnings were $429.4 million. Further information on ST can be found at http://www.st.com. |
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