Immucor, Inc. Launches IMAGN 2000.

ATLANTA--(BW HealthWire)--May 19, 1997--

The Automated Blood Analyzer for CD4/CD8, Leukocyte 

and Stem Cell Enumeration 

Immucor, Inc. announces its introduction of the IMAGN(R) 2000, the first fully automated cellular assay system for the enumeration of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell lymphocytes, leukocytes and CD34+ stem cells.

Used to monitor the progression of HIV and alert physicians to the need for prophylactic drug therapies, the 4T8(R) assay measures CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts. The CEQer(TM) assay measures leukocytes in leuko-reduced blood components to determine whether they meet transfusion safety standards. The STELLer(TM) assay (available internationally only) quantifies the number of stem cells in blood samples collected from cancer patients and products intended for transplantation.

IMAGN(R) 2000 BENEFITS: The IMAGN 2000 provides accurate and precise absolute cell counts with rapid turnaround and minimal hands-on time by the operator. The high degree of precision associated with IMAGN 2000 is due in part to the elimination of steps, such as washing and separating the sample, where cell loss and error frequently occur. In addition, results are reported (as cells per unit of volume of sample) using test specific software, limiting interpretation by the user. IMAGN 2000, which does not require a specially certified technologist for operation, is small enough to fit in a physician's office or compact laboratory work space. The instrument, which currently performs three vital tests (described in detail below), is estimated to have a return on investment of less than three years. Easy to set up and maintain, IMAGN 2000 is equipped with self-checks to ensure proper operation and software designed to flag suspect results.

IMAGN 2000 TECHNOLOGY: Distributed by Immucor, a medical diagnostic company, and developed by Biometric Imaging(R), the instrument uses a new proprietary technology called microvolume fluorometry. Unlike other laser analysis techniques, the cells in this process are held in stasis while the laser moves in multiple wavelengths per cell across the sample. Target cells, which are marked with fluorescent dye, are captured by an advanced optical system.

An electronic image of the sample is created and stored, as innovative software identifies target cells on the basis of fluorescence intensity, size, color and shape.

4T8(R) ASSAY: By the year 2000, an estimated 30 million people worldwide will be infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In addressing the mounting challenge presented by the HIV epidemic, a large portion of today's research is focused on managing the disease through a number of combined anti-retroviral drug therapies. CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts are extremely important in this regard, alerting physicians to the need for prophylactic drug therapies to prevent opportunistic infection.

When combined with viral load data, CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts also indicate disease progression, response to therapy and development of resistance. This vital information, which until now often takes days to obtain, is available in less than 45 minutes using IMAGN 2000.

In just three simple steps, IMAGN 2000, 4T8 assay provides an absolute count of T-cell subsets for one to 10 patient samples. A technologist uses less than one minute of hands-on time for each sample -- the instrument completes the process and provides automated results. As few as two cells per microliter can be detected by IMAGN 2000, as compared to 50 by competitive methods. With no maintenance required and advanced quality control measures in place at no added cost, the IMAGN 2000 provides excellent precision and accuracy.

Samples remain stable for up to 48 hours, and all post-test waste is contained within the disposable cartridge. Reagents used in the 4T8 assay are dried in a cartridge and usable for up to six months with room temperature storage.

San Francisco General Hospital, a premier medical facility serving the largest AIDS population in the United States, uses the IMAGN 2000, 4T8 assay.

CEQer(TM) ASSAY: In transfusion medicine, leukocytes are filtered from whole blood components to reduce the risk of complications such as graft-versus-host disease, cytomegalovirus transmission and transfusion reactions. Quantifying the number of residual leukocytes per unit of blood is critical to determining whether enough white blood cells have been removed to deem it safe for transfusion purposes.

The IMAGN 2000, CEQer assay is one method of measuring the concentration of leukocytes in blood components, specifically leukocyte-reduced platelet and red blood cell products. Whereas other methods of leukocyte enumeration have proved technically challenging, time-consuming and often subjective, the minute intervals -- a complete platter of 10 sision at counts fewer than 100 cells. As with other IMAGN 2000 assays, results are printed by the instrument, enabling the technologist to determine whether the blood to radiation treatment, and infuse those critptimal time to harvest stem cells, during a period known as mobilization. The assay also enumerates stem cells (from <5 to 2000 cells per microliter in collected blood products to ensure a sufficient number are present to trigger hemaAGN 2000 is $59,500. The unit weighs 125 poun ds and is 24 1/2"h x 20 5/8"w x 24"d in dimension. Additional tests for use with the instrument are currently under development. For more information on the IMAGN 2000 or its related assay undertaken manually in the laboratory. Immucor began its business manufacturing and selling blood bank reagents, biological substances used for analysis, and related products.

One year after its inception, the company acquired solid phase technology, branded under the name Capture(R), which has enabled Immucor researchers to develop partially and fully automated systems for transfusion diag critical need for standardized cellular analysis procedures in the emerging field of cell therapy. Cell therapy uses transfused cells from a patient or donor to achieve a desired therapeutic effect in diseases such as cancer and AIDS.

CONTACT: Julie Davis Associates

Liz Aune

or

Anne Milner, 404/231-0660