Medical Device Link.

CombiMatrix Corp. (Mukilteo, WA) has announced positive preliminary data on its investigational comprehensive cancer array test. Focusing on prostate, colon, ovarian, breast, and lung cancers, the test has demonstrated some ability to noninvasively screen for early detection.

Stanbio Laboratory LP (Boerne, TX) reported double-digit growth for 2008, with further growth predicted for this year. Company president William Pippin cited a building expansion, the acquisition of the ALKO product line, and the launch of a new microcuvette as notable events that may have contributed to the company’s recent success.

Researchers at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) have found that they can differentiate cancer cells from cells that are benign, precancerous, or early-stage indicators. The researchers are investigating a minimally invasive technique for detecting pancreatic cancer; the technique is in clinical trials.

TÜV Rheinland (Newtown, CT) announced that a new version of the EMC compliance standard, EN 61326-1:2006, became mandatory. The standard (Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use—EMC Requirements) addresses the minimum EMC performance of electrical equipment intended for professional, industrial process, and educational use.

Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine (Winston-Salem, NC) and the University of Wisconsin (Madison) have confirmed their earlier findings that men with too much calcium in their blood have an increased risk of fatal prostate cancer. The researchers have also identified high levels of ionized serum calcium as a biomarker of the fatal cancer.

BioGenes GmbH (Berlin), a company that develops antibodies, was chosen as a new cNEUPRO partner. cNEUPRO is an EU-funded research project to analyze neurodegenerative diseases and find biomarkers to improve early and differential diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia. BioGenes will provide laboratory facilities and key personnel to develop specific monoclonal antibodies against novel neurochemical dementia biomarkers in blood and cerebrospinal fluid that have been identified during the project.