Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics Inks Agreement with KreLo Medical Diagnostics to Expand Thyroid Immunoassay Menu

Third-Generation TRAb Assay Delivers Unprecedented Specificity for Diagnosing Graves' Disease 


DEERFIELD, Ill., Dec. 17  /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics (http://www.siemens.com/diagnostics) announced that it has signed an agreement with KreLo GmbH Medical Diagnostics for the rights to develop an automated stimulating TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) assay used in the differential diagnosis of Graves' disease. This agreement will make Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics the first in vitro diagnostics distributor of an automated TRAb assay featuring stimulating TRAb KreLo antibodies which are specific to the diagnosis of Graves' disease.

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"The new TRAb assay has enormous potential to help diagnose, monitor and predict the course of Graves' disease," said Joe Bernardo, senior vice president, Central Lab Testing, Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics. "Siemens continues to focus on new biomarker development opportunities, continually expanding our already comprehensive immunoassay menu and providing the diagnostic tools necessary to diagnose and treat millions of thyroid disease patients."

Graves' disease affects approximately 32 million people worldwide. As one of the most common form of hyperthyroidism, Graves' is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of stimulating TSH receptor autoantibodies found approximately 90 percent of Graves' patients. TSH receptor autoantibodies mimic the activity of TSH, leading to an elevated production of thyroid hormone. Left untreated, Graves' disease can lead to miscarriage, birth defects, thyroid eye disease and can be life-threatening.

Studies have shown that the TRAb test has the highest diagnostic power to differentiate Graves' disease from toxic nodular goiters.  KreLo GmbH focuses on research and development of diagnostic kits for application in human medicine. It was co-founded by Werner Kress and Prof. Ulrich Loos, formerly professor at the Department of Medicine at Ulm University (Ulm, Germany). Prof. Loos is the CEO of KreLo GmbH.

About Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics

Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics is the leading clinical diagnostics provider in the world. The company offers health care professionals the broadest range of diagnostic products and services that are used for diagnosing medical conditions, monitoring patient therapy and providing quality health care. Siemens' comprehensive portfolio of solutions and highly responsive service are designed to improve clinical outcomes, streamline workflow and enhance the operational efficiency of clinical laboratories around the world. Visit http://www.siemens.com/diagnostics.

About Siemens Medical Solutions

Siemens Medical Solutions is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Medical Solutions will be the first fully integrated diagnostics company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. The company delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care -- from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Siemens Medical Solutions employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. According to IFRS, in the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of euro 9.85 billion, orders of euro 10.27 billion, and group profit of euro 1.32 billion (preliminary figures, unaudited). Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/medical. 

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DATASOURCE: Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics



CONTACT:  Amanda Naiman of Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics,

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Web site:  http://www.usa.siemens.com/medical

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