Roche launches system for metabolic syndrome management

Roche has announced the launch of a point-of care system that helps to provide better diagnosis and monitoring of patients at high risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The cobas b 101 device is designed for the diagnosis and management of metabolic syndrome and is the only system available for early risk assessment and prognosis of patients affected by such problems.

Launching globally in territories excluding the US, it is able to produce rapid test results in only 15 minutes with the same precision as a medical laboratory using blood from a single finger prick.

Metabolic syndrome is estimated to affect 20 to 25 percent of the adult population worldwide and is defined as a combination of factors associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Roland Diggelmann, chief operating officer of Roche Diagnostics, said: "Roche is committed to supporting healthcare professionals with new, more efficient diagnostic tools and helping to reduce healthcare spending by bringing testing to the patient."

Earlier this month, the company announced a new alliance with the Innovative Medicines Initiative, aimed at increasing the use of stem cell technology in drug development projects.