BioStar and Agouron Pharmaceuticals Partner to Develop Point-of-Care Diagnostic Test for Rhinovirus

Strategic Insights -

BioStar Inc. and Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. have signed an agreement to develop a point-of-care diagnostic test for rhinovirus, the most frequent cause of the common cold. This collaboration builds on BioStar's expertise in detecting respiratory disease and its proprietary Optical ImmunoAssay (OIA) technology. The test aims to assist in the clinical development phase of Agouron's rhinovirus therapeutic product candidate, AG7088. BioStar's patented OIA technology uses the human eye to detect changes in the thickness of a silicon wafer, providing rapid and accurate results.

Key Takeaways:

  • BioStar and Agouron Pharmaceuticals have partnered to develop a point-of-care diagnostic test for rhinovirus, a common cold virus.
  • The test is being developed with the immediate goal of having a diagnostic available to assist in the clinical development phase of Agouron's rhinovirus therapeutic product candidate, AG7088.
  • BioStar's Optical ImmunoAssay (OIA) technology is used to provide rapid and accurate results, with sensitivities approaching or surpassing those of conventional methodologies such as routine culture.
  • A major benefit of the OIA test is that it can aid physicians in reducing the unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics, which do not help the patient but increase healthcare costs.
  • BioStar's proprietary OIA technology uses the human eye to detect changes in the thickness of a silicon wafer, providing a rapid and accurate diagnostic result.
  • The test is part of BioStar's growing presence in detecting respiratory disease and its expanding business in viral disease diagnosis.
  • BioStar's current product line includes STREP A OIA MAX, STREP B OIA, CHLAMYDIA OIA, FLU OIA (pending FDA clearance), and its ACCEAVA(R) line of assays.
  • Agouron's registered trademark, used in the agreement, highlights the partnership's focus on developing a diagnostic test for rhinovirus.

Statistics:

  • BioStar currently markets a range of in-vitro diagnostic products.
  • BioStar's OIA technology has sensitivities that approach or surpass those of conventional methodologies such as routine culture.
  • The company's current market presence includes a range of diagnostic products for infectious diseases.

Sources:

  • BioStar, Inc., BioStar and Agouron Pharmaceuticals Form Agreement to Develop Point-of-Care Diagnostic Test for Rhinovirus
  • Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Partnering for a Better Tomorrow: BioStar and Agouron Collaborate on Rhinovirus Diagnostic