Abbott and Axis-Shield to collaborate on new diabetes assay

Abbott and Axis-Shield are to work together to create a new immunoassay device for monitoring treatment efficacy among diabetes patients.

Axis-Shield has developed a proprietary haemoglobin assay which is intended for use with its partner’s high throughput analyser system Architect.

It follows a previous haemoglobin test created by Axis-Shield for use with Abbott’s AxSYM immunoassay system, while the device is also compatible with Axis-Shield’s own Afinion and NycoCard point-of-care systems.

Mike Warmuth, senior vice-president of diagnostics at Abbott, said this development is important given the increasing number of people affected by diabetes worldwide.

He added: “The development of the Architect haemoglobin immunoassay highlights our commitment to support physicians in diagnosing the disease and ensuring patients get the right care as soon as possible.”

Last month, Abbott completed its takeover of Starlims, which specialises in laboratory information management systems, an area which Abbott has identified as a rapid growth market.