NextGen launches first CSF multiplex protein assay for detecting CNS diseases

Jun 21 2011

NextGen Group plc (AIM:NGG) is pleased to announce that its US-subsidiary NextGen Sciences Inc, a leader in biomarker discovery, measurement and qualification, has launched its first cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) multiple protein (multiplex) assay, csfdiscovery43, for central nervous system (CNS) biomarker discovery and qualification. The assay simultaneously measures 43 human CSF proteins that are thought to have potential as biomarkers in CNS diseases, particularly Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis and ALS diseases. The launch of csfdiscovery43is the next step in NextGen Sciences strategy of becoming a leading player in the growing CNS and oncology biomarker markets.

NextGen's assay is based upon its multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry platform, and generates high quality reproducible data that companies can use in their drug and diagnostic development programmes. In addition to the CNS disease focus, the assay can be used for early-stage biomarker discovery and qualification in other disease areas e.g. traumatic brain injury (TBI). NextGen expects to continue to add proteins to the csfdiscovery43assay, in addition to developing other disease-focused assay panels, both as proprietary products and with other companies through partnerships and collaborations.

Klaus Rosenau, Chairman and CEO of NextGen Group, commented, 'The release of csfdiscovery43is the next defining step in the development of NextGen Sciences' biomarker business, following its reorganization and release of the plasmadiscovery41 assay in Q1. It demonstrates that we have once again delivered on our plans to develop multiplex protein assays that will help to establish the company as a market leader in biomarker discovery and qualification using its MRM technology. Importantly, this enables us to further target increasing market share from the $600m mass spectrometry based biomarker discovery market. We believe that pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostics companies need high-quality assays relevant to their disease areas to inform their decision-making processes, and NextGen Sciences is currently working on the launch of more such products.'