Enzo Biochem Reports That Its Clinical Labs Division Has Available Newly Authorized Swine Flu (H1N1) Test
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE: ENZ) announced today that its Enzo Clinical Labs division has become one of the first diagnostic laboratories to make available a rapid and sensitive H1N1 PCR test for the swine flu virus. Enzo Clinical Labs serves physicians throughout the Metropolitan New York area, as well as New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania.
"The introduction of this test, within a few days after it had received FDA clearance, is indicative of the capabilities of Enzo's clinical diagnostics division in being able to commercialize new tests," said Kevin Krenitsky, MD, President of Enzo Clinical Labs.
The H1N1 identification is very specific, without cross-detection of other influenza variant subtypes, said Dr. Krenitsky.
The swine flu is caused by the H1N1 type of influenza virus. In the US, more than 22 million people have been infected with, and as many as 4,000 individuals have died as a result of, this new influenza pandemic virus. The test that is now available enables physicians to differentiate patients infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus from other strains that show similar symptoms, thus allowing appropriate management of the patient symptoms.
About Enzo
Enzo Biochem, Inc., is a growth-oriented integrated life sciences and biotechnology company focused on harnessing biological process to develop research tools, diagnostics and therapeutics, and serves as a provider of test services, including exotic tests, to the medical community. Since our founding in 1976, our strategic focus has been on the development of enabling technologies in the life sciences field. Enzo Life Sciences develops, produces and markets proprietary labeling and detection products for gene sequencing, genetic analysis and immunological research, among others. Its catalog of over 40,000 products serve the molecular biology, drug discovery and pathology research markets worldwide. Enzo Clinical Labs division provides laboratory services for a growing roster of physicians in the New York Metropolitan area, as well as parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Its tests include, in addition to routine tests, capabilities for detecting molecular infection disease, molecular oncology, autoimmune disorders and genetics. Enzo Clinical Labs also provides clinical diagnostic services that allow Enzo to capitalize on its extensive advanced molecular and cytogenetic capabilities and the broader trends in predictive and personalized diagnostics. Enzo Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical venture that has developed multiple novel approaches in the areas of gastrointestinal, infectious, ophthalmic and metabolic diseases. It has focused its efforts on developing treatment regimens for diseases and conditions for which current treatment options are ineffective, costly, and/or cause unwanted side effects. In the course of the company's research and development activities, Enzo has developed a substantial portfolio of intellectual property assets, with 249 issued patents worldwide and over 200 pending patent applications.
Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this news release may be considered "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include declarations regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could materially affect actual results. The Company disclaims any obligations to update any forward-looking statement as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.
Source: Enzo Biochem, Inc.
Released January 13, 2010