Metra Biosystems' Pyrilinks bone metabolism tests reported most specific in comparative research study.MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif--(HealthWire)--Dec. 20, 1995--Metra Biosystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: MTRA MTRA Monster Truck Racing Association MTRA Money Transmitter Regulators Association MTRA Medical Technical Research Associates (San Bruno, CA) MTRA Medizinisch Technische Radiologie Assistentinnen ) today announced that data published in this month's Acta Orthopaedica Scandanavica showed that Pyrilinks(R) and Pyrilinks(R)-D assays measure bone resorption Bone resorption is the process by which osteoclasts break down bone and release the minerals, resulting in a transfer of calcium from bone fluid to the blood. The osteoclasts are multi-nucleated cells that contain numerous mitochondria and lysosomes. (breakdown) with greater specificity than assays that measure other tissue collagen metabolites Metabolites Substances produced by metabolism or by a metabolic process. Mentioned in: Interactions , including an assay for N-telopeptides. Metra's assays measure the pyridinium crosslinks of collagen, pyridinoline (Pyd) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpd). This in vitro in vitro /in vi·tro/ (in ve´tro) [L.] within a glass; observable in a test tube; in an artificial environment. in vi·tro adj. In an artificial environment outside a living organism. study reported a positive reaction of an N-telopeptides assay with skin collagen, indicating that the assay reacts generally with other type I collagen rather than being specific for bone collagen. The study, which is part of a review article entitled, "Collagen Crosslinks in Metabolic Bone Disease metabolic bone disease Any defect in bone absorption or deposition that alters the PTH/calcium-phosphate/vitamin D axis, often with ↑ bone fragility Etiology Fibrous dysplasia, Langerhans' cell histiocytosis/histiocytosis X, acromegaly, corticosteroid therapy, ," by Simon Robins, PhD, Head of Bone Research at the Rowett Research Institute The Rowett Research Institute is a research centre for studies into food and nutrition located in Aberdeen, Scotland. History The institute was founded in 1913 when the University of Aberdeen and the North of Scotland College of Agriculture agreed that an "Institute for in Aberdeen, Scotland, was published today in Acta Orthopaedica Scandanavica. Previously, Dr. Robins presented these results at the Eric K. Fernstrom Symposium, "Molecular Markers for Joint and Skeletal Diseases," in Lund, Sweden. "Specificity to bone tissue without cross-reaction with other tissues, such as skin, is critical if physicians are to receive an accurate assessment of the rate of bone breakdown in their patients," stated Dr. Robins. "Deoxypyridinoline is essentially a bone-specific marker." "Pyrilinks assays, in conjunction with Metra's other products in the panel of biochemical bone markers, provide physicians with inexpensive aids to identify patients with a high rate of bone type I collagen resorption resorption /re·sorp·tion/ (re-sorp´shun) 1. the lysis and assimilation of a substance, as of bone. 2. reabsorption. re·sorp·tion n. ," stated George W. Dunbar, President and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of Metra Biosystems. "This is especially important at a time when the changing demographics suggest a growing increase in the incidence of osteoporotic consequences and increasing concern for related social and economic costs." The Company believes that achieving measurements of bone resorption rates are important aids in the detection of metabolic bone resorption abnormalities which occur in diseases such as osteoporosis. International use of biochemical bone markers as aids in medical practice has increased due to the large population at risk for bone diseases -- nearly 200 million people worldwide. In addition, these new tests provide significant advantages as useful clinical aids over some currently used methods of identifying metabolic bone resorption abnormalities. Biochemical markers are simple, inexpensive tests that can identify the rates of bone formation and resorption in the disease process so that therapies to slow bone loss can be initiated. And, importantly, biochemical marker tests like Pyrilinks can aid in the assessment of patients undergoing treatment. Metra Biosystems has developed a panel of biochemical bone markers to help physicians more precisely assess patients' bone metabolism It is a common misconception that bones are static in nature and hardly change once an individual becomes an adult. On the contrary, bones are continuously undergoing a dynamic process of resorption and deposition known as bone metabolism. . Bone metabolism normally stays in careful balance, maintaining healthy, strong bones. When the rate or balance of bsness bone and collagen formation. Pyrilinks-D, NovoCalcin, and Prolagen-C are currently available for research use in the US and Japan, whereas, Metra's entire panel of markers is available for clinical use in other international markets. Metra's panel of biochemical bone markers includes two assays, Pyrilinks and Alkphase-B(TM), that recently received US regulatory clearance as clinical diagnostics. Pyrilinks is indicated for measuring bone type I collagen resorption, and Alkphase-B is indicated for use as an aid in the management of Paget's disease of bone Paget's Disease of Bone Definition Paget's disease of bone (osteitis deformans) is the abnormal formation of bone tissue that results in weakened and deformed bones. . Pyrilinks-D measures bone resorption and Prolagen-C(R) and NovoCalcin(R) assess bone and collagen formation. Pyrilinks-D, NovoCalcin, and Prolagen-C are currently available for research use in the US and Japan, whereas, Metra's entire panel of markers is available for clinical use in other international markets. Metra Biosystems is based in Mountain View, Calif., with European headquarters in Oxford, England, an office in Milan, Italy, and full time international staff to cover the Pacific Rim Pacific Rim, term used to describe the nations bordering the Pacific Ocean and the island countries situated in it. In the post–World War II era, the Pacific Rim has become an increasingly important and interconnected economic region. , Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The Company is a leader in the development and commercialization of diagnostic products for the detection and management of metabolic bone diseases and disorders. The Company's strategy is to offer a portfolio of tests that will provide physicians with comprehensive clinical information regarding the metabolism of bone and other connective tissues. CONTACT: Metra Biosystems Colette Andrea 415-903-9100 John Coombes Coombes is a hamlet and civil parish in the Adur District of West Sussex, England. It is located three miles (5km) north of Shoreham by Sea on the River Adur. The 11th century village church has frescoes, some of the most important in England, and painted about 1100 A.D. (UK) (441) 865-875-557 or Burns McClellan Clarence Swearngan, Jr. (investor inquiries) Kim Callahan (media inquiries) (212) 505-1919 or kcallahan@burnsmc.com |
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