Vision Biosystems' tissue processor 'hits the ground running'

Melbourne-based equipment manufacturer Vision Biosystems, part of the Vision Systems group (ASX:VSL), has launched its Peloris tissue processor in Australia, and plans to launch the instrument in international markets as well.

The dual retort instrument, which can run multiple protocols at once, reduces the time required for tissue processing by 40 per cent and has the potential to change laboratory practice and workflow in clinical laboratories, said managing director Michael Ohanessian.

"So far it has hit the ground running," Ohanessian said. "We sent the first few units out last week and we have over $1 million in back orders. We believe this will fulfil its potential to become the market-leading tissue processor."

Ohanessian said the market for tissue processors worldwide was around AUD$100 million. The company had generated interest from potential UK buyers and had shown the instrument to a couple of large US corporate groups.

In the meantime, Vision Biosystems' Bond-X automated immunohistochemistry system has now been launched in Australia, the UK and Switzerland, and the US, and distributors have been identified in Korea and Japan. Ohanessian said more than 20 instruments have been placed in the first three markets to date, and reagent revenue, through acquired reagent company Novocastra Laboratories, is starting to increase.

Ohanessian said he expected that the next generation Bond-maX instrument - capable of automating more of the process - to be launched next month.

In addition, the company has this year launched several other Optical Electron Microscopy (OEM) products developed for other companies.

"As a company we have never launched more than one instrument a year, but this year we have launched six, so it's been a huge year for us," Ohanessian said.