Biohit launches calprotectin test for diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory bowel diseases
Biohit Oyj Press Release 24.3.2014 at 1 pm local time (EET)
Biohit Oyj launches a diagnostic test for the differentiation of inflammatory bowel disease IBD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well as monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease. The Calprotectin test will enhance Biohit's gastrointestinal diagnostic tests range. Biohit distributes the test to designated European, Middle East and Asian countries.
The two most important inflammatory bowel diseases are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which are increasing in prevalence and frequently affect young people. Particularly the latter is linked with a clearly increased risk of colon cancer. The new test measures fecal calprotectin concentration that reliably differentiates between IBD and IBS.
Chief Medical Director, Professor Kari Syrjänen, MD, Ph.D., Biohit Oyj: ´Calprotectin test is a reliable method for early detection of inflammatory bowel disease, monitoring the efficacy of treatment, as well as relapse prediction. The test measures calprotectin released from the inflamed intestinal mucosa into faeces. Calprotectin is derived from the inflammatory cells, and its concentration in the faeces closely reflects the severity of the ongoing inflammation in IBD patients. In patients with IBS, this test is negative.´
CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj: ´Calprotectin will be an important supplement to Biohit's business portfolio and existing distribution network.´
Additional information:
CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj
tel. +358 9 773 861
investor.relations@biohit.fi
www.biohithealthcare.com
Biohit in brief
Biohit Oyj is a globally operating Finnish biotechnology company. Biohit’s mission is “Innovating for Health” – we produce innovative products and services to promote research and early diagnosis. Biohit is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, and has subsidiaries in Italy and the UK. Biohit's Series B share (BIOBV) is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki in the Small cap/Healthcare group. www.biohithealthcare.com