InDevR to Develop Automated Hemagglutination Analyzer

BOULDER, CO–(Marketwired – May 20, 2014) – InDevR, a Boulder-based life science company, has received a new NIH SBIR grant to develop an innovative optical system that will automate interpretation of hemagglutination assays. The 2-year Phase 1 grant (R43AI106054) is sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Hemagglutination and hemagglutination inhibition assays are widely used to characterize viruses and related antibodies. For example, the hemagglutination inhibition assay is the gold standard for determining antibody levels produced in response to an influenza vaccine. Both assays rely on manual interpretation of red-blood cell aggregation in the presence of virus, which can lead to error in the measurement. The product in development at InDevR is designed to automate results interpretation and provide a more accurate and precise measurement.

“We are delighted to receive support from NIAID to develop an automated hemagglutination analyzer. This new product is part of our dedicated effort to advance vaccine development and manufacturing through cutting-edge analytical tools that provide improved results at reduced cost,” said Dr. Kathy Rowlen, InDevR’s CEO.

According to Rowlen, there is a robust National initiative to improve influenza vaccine manufacturing. The hemagglutination inhibition assay has been identified as a problematic step in influenza vaccine characterization. Currently hemagglutination plates are read “by eye”, with a user carefully inspecting each well in a 96-well plate and manually recording the results. While many of the assay preparation steps can be automated, plate reading is exclusively manual and represents a bottleneck in the process. The automated hemagglutination analyzer under development at InDevR is based on a proprietary optical design (patent pending) with custom software that will enable rapid assessment of each well in a hemagglutination plate and output of a digital record. Automation of plate reading will eliminate the current bottleneck and streamline analysis.

About InDevR

InDevR has a demonstrated commitment to innovative solutions for the life science industry. With focus on enhancing vaccines and other biotherapeutics, InDevR has emerged as a leader in progressive new analytical technologies that enable accelerated development and manufacturing of these life-saving products. For more information about the company and products, please visit www.indevr.com or call 303-402-9100.

HHS/NIH/NIAID is not responsible for the contents of this release. The statements contained in this release do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. Government or HHS.