Universal Biosensors and Siemens partner on blood testing strips

Australian technology company Universal Biosensors and Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics have announced the Xprecia Stride Coagulation Analyzer - a prothrombin time (PT-INR) testing system which offers high performance and ease of use in an affordable, handheld format. The product is initially being launched in Europe and an application to sell the device in the US is expected to be lodged in 2015.

The system is used to monitor the application of the anti-coagulant therapy Warfarin, taken by up to 10 million people worldwide to prevent heart attacks, strokes and blood clots. Patients on Warfarin require frequent testing to assess the clotting tendency of their blood, and the Xprecia Stride allows physicians to adjust patient doses for diet and lifestyle changes.

The product completed CE mark self-certification on 9 December, following the receipt of two commercial orders from Siemens for the production and supply of the test strips by Universal Biosensors. It was the final step prior to product launch in Europe, indicating the product is fully compliant with all relevant EU legislation and can move freely within the European Economic Area. The launch triggered a payment of US$1 million from Siemens to Universal Biosensors.

“This is an important milestone for both Universal Biosensors and Siemens,” said Universal Biosensors CEO Paul Wright. “We have been collaborating on the development of this product for more than three years and we are confident the Xprecia Stride Coagulation Analyzer will be well received in the point-of-care market.”

Universal Biosensors will manufacture the PT-INR strips at its plant in Rowville, Victoria, incorporating its electrochemical sensing technology. The two companies are planning to launch three point-of-care (POC) coagulation testing devices over the next few years.