(Swine Flu)
Hong Kong and Beijing, China – May 29, 2009
Hai Kang Life’s test kits for Type A/H1N1 virus have been validated against various clinical samples to ensure performance reliability in sensitivity and specificity. The test kits have been verified with novel H1N1 clinical samples obtained from patients, in collaboration with relevant national disease control authority in China. The test results demonstrated our Type A/H1N1 (swine flu) test kits are highly sensitive and specific. It is one of the few available test kits that have been evaluated on human clinical samples.
Molecular diagnostic technology is essential in fighting the war against influenza pandemics and the availability of rapid and sensitive tools will enable reliable front-line screening for novel H1N1. The test kits have been developed in rapid response to the 2009 novel influenza A (H1N1) virus outbreak whilst the interim World Health Organization (WHO) has called for all member states to enhance surveillance and diagnostic capacities for influenza and other acute respiratory infections.
Type A/H1N1 detection kits are available across Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Nucleic Acid Sequence-Based Amplification employing an enzyme-linked oligonucleotide capture method (NASBA-EOC) which does not require any specialized equipment. HKLife’s VDS (NASBA-EOC) and VetDetect (Real-time PCR) influenza test kits will provide reliable and sensitive screening to detect the novel circulating Mexican type A/H1N1 virus.
HKLife is a world leader in genetic testing and developing virus detection systems for severe infectious diseases that includes Avian Influenza Virus (AIV), foot-and-mouth disease and SARS-CoV. The Company has been performing extensive research and development on Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) since 2000 and its AIV molecular detection kit had subsequently received the world’s first nucleic acid system registration and approval by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2005.
The company’s research findings have been published in numerous leading scientific journals such as Lancet, New England Journal of Medicine and Nature Biotechnology. Outcome of these efforts has led to invitations from various international organizations such as WHO to share its knowledge and experiences.
HKLife’s molecular diagnostic assays are in use by various public and private laboratories worldwide in the testing of influenza samples, including health departments, hospitals, research institutes, agricultural departments and inspection and quarantine bureaus in China, Japan, Thailand, Central Asia and South Africa. The addition of Type A/H1N1 series of molecular assays will strengthen the world gateway to prevent pandemic.
Today, HKLife continues to forge ahead in the advancement of molecular diagnostics, addressing the critical need for point-of-care testing particularly for infectious agents.
Company Background
Hai Kang Life Corporation Limited, formerly known as Hong Kong DNA Chips, was established with independent research funding in 1999. The company is strategically positioned at the hub of Asian biotechnology, equipped with the most advanced research and production facilities in both Beijing and Hong Kong. Strong working relationships with academic institutions, government and industry partners have created a solid foundation for business success. The world-class team of scientists, engineers and technologists, supported by a highly esteemed Scientific Advisory Board, is committed to maintaining HKLife’s position at the forefront of bio-business, leveraging best practices from both East and West.
Further information about Hai Kang Life Corporation Limited can be found at: http://www.haikanglife.com.
Contact:
media@haikanglife.com
Hai Kang Life Corporation Limited
8/F, Hang Tung Resources Centre, 18 A-Kung Ngam Village Road, Shau Kei Wan
Hong Kong SAR, China
Tel: (852) 2111 2123
