Media Releases http://www.rochediagnostics.ca/ en © Roche Diagnostics (Canada), a division of Hoffmann-La Roche Limited http://rochediagnostics.ca/img/roche_logo.gif http://www.rochediagnostics.ca/ http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=0&lang=en Health Canada has approved a new nucleic acid test from Roche Diagnostics to screen donated blood for HIV-1 Group M RNA, hepatitis C RNA and hepatitis B DNA in a single, automated assay. The test, called the cobas TaqScreen MPX Test for use on the cobas s 201 system, is a qualitative in vitro test for comprehensive single-assay detection of HIV-1 Group M RNA, HIV-1 Group O RNA, HIV-2 RNA, hepatitis C Virus RNA and hepatitis B Virus DNA in human plasma. The test, which is not intended for use as an aid in diagnosis, is designed to further increase the safety of blood supplies by identifying infections earlier than traditional serology tests. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=0&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=1&lang=en Long-term data also demonstrate unprecedented remission rates that increase over time Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=1&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=2&lang=en A study published online today in the prestigious Nature Medicine journal reports that researchers at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center have explored a new high-throughput method for decoding one of the most critical genomic regions for the immune system. In the study, they used ultra-deep sequencing with the Genome Sequencer FLX System from 454 Life Sciences, a Roche Company (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), to perform rapid major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genotyping in macaques, a common model primate. The MHC is a gene-rich portion of the human and monkey genome that plays a critical role in the immune system. Robust genotyping methods are essential for studies of the T cell response, including research on autoimmune and infectious disease, transplantation, and vaccine development. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=2&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=3&lang=en Increased Autonomy and Quality of Life for 200 CHUM PatientsVideo at www.youtube.com/user/chumontreal Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=3&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=4&lang=en Test aids physicians to identify colorectal cancer patients who are unlikely to benefit from certain cancer drugs based on their genetic mutations Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=4&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=5&lang=en Northern Health laboratories will benefit from increased equipment standardization and integration with the successful launch of new modular robotic analyzers at Prince George Regional Hospital. Themodular, automated system is the first of its kind in Western Canada.  Tue, 2 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=5&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=6&lang=en Roche Diagnostics has announced its support of the VISION (Vascular events In noncardiac Surgery patIents cOhort evaluatioN) study, a large multicenter, international, prospective cohort trial evaluating major vascular events in 40,000 noncardiac surgery patients aged 45 or above to determine whether regular troponin testing after surgery might help healthcare professionals to detect myocardial infarctions they might have otherwise missed. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=6&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=7&lang=en Battlefords Union Hospital Laboratory announces the completion of the installation of a new analyzer that provides the latest technology to respond to physician requests for blood tests. This installation will have a very positive impact on the level of care provided to patients. The new piece of equipment, called the cobas 6000 analyzer series, was officially unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held September 10, 2008. All employees were invited to join the laboratory staff in celebrating their new system. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=7&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=8&lang=en The adventure that brothers Mike and Steve Gannon experienced is anything but ordinary: In June 2007, Steve donated one of his kidneys to Mike, allowing him to regain a normal life. Indeed organ donation between living individuals is still very rare, despite its numerous benefits to both to the donors and the recipients. In order to inform the public about this altruistic type of donation, Roche Canada, the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Quebec Branch and the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) have joined their efforts to organize the Mont Blanc Ascent, consisting of a team of 12 climbers who will scale the highest mountain in the Alps. Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=8&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=10&lang=en The new Accu-Chek Compact Plus with all-in-one convenienceRegular blood glucose testing is a cornerstone of successful diabetes therapy. Everyday, diabetes educators face the challenge of motivating their patients to test regularly '– especially when they are out and about. With the new Accu-Chek Compact Plus blood glucose monitoring system, testing is not only simpler for people with diabetes, but also easier for healthcare professionals to train their patients. The all-in-one convenience of no coding, 17-test strip drum, a built-in lancing device, and now a new design and illuminated display make it even easier to use. In Canada, more than 2 million people are diabetics.'“As an insulin pump user, I have to test several times a day, so convenience is really important for me,'” says Daniel Hurtubise, who has been living with juvenile diabetes (Type 1) since age 15.  Now at 50 he has founded the Ride of a Lifetime (http://www.accu-chek.ca/) and will be cycling from coast to coast this summer with the mission to raise $500,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Daniel has been using the Accu-Chek Compact Plus since its launch in 2006. '‘Now, with the updated model's new bright display, I can even test in lower-lit locations such as restaurants.'” says Daniel. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=10&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=11&lang=en AHSC is today announcing the successful implementation of its new fully automated and integrated laboratory equipment. With the new system from Roche Diagnostics, the laboratory will make important efficiency and patient safety gains. The Modular Pre-Analytics (MPA) system offered by Roche Diagnostics, allows limited technical resources to be directed where they are needed most, leaving the initial handling of incoming specimens to the MPA. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=11&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=12&lang=en Automated test helps ensure safety of blood supply by detecting virus earlier in infection cycle.Roche Diagnostics announced that Health Canada approved its medical device license application for the company's screening test to detect West Nile Virus RNA in blood donations. West Nile virus, which can cause serious health issues, is transmitted to humans most often through mosquito bites, but can also less commonly be transmitted by transfusion of infected blood or blood products. The test, called the cobas TaqScreen West Nile Virus Test, enables detection of the virus earlier in the infection cycle in donors who may show no symptoms of disease. Blood screening centers across Canada have identified 107 donors whose blood tested positive for West Nile Virus since screening for WNV began in 2003. '“We are extremely pleased with this latest news. It means that this high quality screening test for West Nile Virus, that has been used effectively by Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec since 2003 to optimize testing efficiency and maximize blood safety,  now also meets our rigorous Canadian Regulatory requirements'”, said Christopher Parker, President and General Manager of Roche Diagnostics Canada. The test is designed to run on the cobas s 201 system, Roche's flexible, modular instrument platform which automates each step of the real-time PCR blood screening process. The test uses Roche's highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction technology (PCR), the world's leading nucleic acid amplification technology, to detect the genetic material of the West Nile virus directly in blood. The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has stated that screening donated blood for West Nile Virus by nucleic acid amplification tests has markedly reduced the risk of transfusion transmission. About West Nile VirusMost people infected with West Nile Virus never show signs of illness or experience several days of flu-like symptoms, but others, especially those with compromised immune systems, can suffer serious and in some cases life threatening reactions. According to the US Centers for Disease Control, in 2002, transfusion-associated transmission (TAT) of West Nile virus (WNV) infection acquired through blood transfusion marked the emergence of a new threat to the U.S. blood supply. Although mosquito-borne transmission remains the predominant mode of WNV transmission, identification of TAT underscored the need for WNV screening of donated blood. In June 2003, blood-collection agencies in North America implemented investigational WNV nucleic acid--amplification tests (NATs) to screen all blood donations and identify potentially infectious donations for quarantine and retrieval.About Roche Diagnostics Blood ScreeningRoche Diagnostics is the leading provider of PCR-based nucleic acid tests for the international blood bank market. Nucleic acid-based tests enable more highly sensitive detection than conventional antibody or antigen assays. Roche assays have been used by the Japanese Red Cross since 1999 to screen Japan's entire blood supply. In 2006, Roche launched the automated cobas s 201 system and the 5-parameter multiplex cobas TaqScreen MPX Test in Europe for the most comprehensive single-assay detection of HIV-1 groups M '& O, HIV-2, and Hepatitis B and C in donated blood and plasma. The West Nile Virus test is the first test available on the automated cobas s 201 system in North America, where the multiplex HIV, HCV, and HBV test is currently under Health Canada and FDA review. Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=12&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=13&lang=en Investing $20 million in a new building and the renovation of the existing office spaceRoche Diagnostics today inaugurated its new head office in Laval, Quebec. Roche has invested $20 million in the construction of a new 26,230 square feet building and the renovation of the existing office space.The inaugural event was attended by local government officials, economic leaders, media and employees.'“This investment not only demonstrates our confidence in the future of our business in Canada but also reflects our ambition to do an ever-better job of serving our Canadian customers in the years ahead,'” said Dr. Severin Schwan, Chief Executive Officer of the Diagnostics division of Roche. '“For many years, new tests and technologies were regarded as cost drivers. But looking at the treatment process as a whole, it is clear that innovative diagnostics can help make healthcare delivery more cost-effective '— precisely because they contribute to sounder medical decisions. They can help physicians tailor treatments to patients' individual needs.'”'“This expansion is the result of our success over the last 10 years as Roche Diagnostics has become the in-vitro diagnostic market leader,'” said Christopher Parker, President and General Manager, Roche Diagnostics (Canada). '“ By doubling the size of our office space, we will be able to provide an enhanced level of customer service and product support across the country. These are central elements that will enable us to further extend our market leading position.'”In Canada, Roche Diagnostics markets, sells and distributes a wide array of innovative products and services to laboratories, hospitals, researchers and patients. It employs 400 people.About Roche and the Roche Diagnostics Division Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world's leading research-focused healthcare groups in the fields of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. As the world's biggest biotech company and an innovator of products and services for the early detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, the Group contributes on a broad range of fronts to improving people's health and quality of life. Roche is the world leader in in-vitro diagnostics and drugs for cancer and transplantation, a market leader in virology and active in other major therapeutic areas such as autoimmune diseases, inflammation, metabolic disorders and diseases of the central nervous system. In 2006 sales by the Pharmaceuticals Division totalled 33.3 billion Swiss francs, and the Diagnostics Division posted sales of 8.7 billion Swiss francs. Roche has R'&D agreements and strategic alliances with numerous partners, including majority ownership interests in Genentech and Chugai, and invests approximately 7 billion Swiss francs a year in R'&D. Worldwide, the Group employs about 75,000 people. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.roche.com and www.rochediagnostics.ca. For further information please contact: Michèle BeaubienCommunicationsTél. : 450 686 5500michele.beaubien@roche.com Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=13&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=14&lang=en A study published in Circulation brings forward the important economic impact of NT-proBNPIn Canada, heart failure (HF) affects between 200,000 and 300,000 people (1). It is estimated that more than 106,000 patients are hospitalized for moderate to severe heart failure every year (2) and hospital readmissions are frequent(3,4). The total annual cost of managing HF in Canada is estimated to be between $1.4 and $2.3 billion(2,5). The study published in Circulation (http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.666255?ijkey=YkajnBHIzCzzUUw'&keytype=ref) concludes that the use of N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), reduces total direct medical cost to the Canadian healthcare system by 15% which may translate in annual savings between $210 and $345 million.Dr. Gordon W. Moe, a cardiologist and director of the heart failure program and biomarker laboratory at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Canada, chaired this first Canadian multicenter randomized-controlled trial of the use of NT-proBNP guided strategy in the management of suspected acute HF in the emergency department (ED). '“Our economic analysis found that adding this test to physician judgment reduced the duration of the emergency department visit from an average of 6.3 hours to an average of 5.6 hours,'” Dr. Moe said. '“In addition, it reduced the number of patients hospitalized within 60 days and reduced total direct medical costs to the healthcare system by 15%.'”The multicenter, randomized-controlled trial was conducted by the investigators of seven Canadian hospitals: St-Michael's Hospital of Toronto (Dr. Gordon Moe), Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Halifax (Dr. Miroslaw Rajda), Hôpital Laval, in Québec (Dr. Marie-Hélène Leblanc), Montreal General Hospital, in Montreal (Dr. Thao Huynh), McMaster Health Science Corp., in Hamilton (Dr. Andrew Worster), Foothills Medical Centre, in Calgary (Dr. Debra Isaac) and St-Paul's Hospital, in Vancouver (Dr. Julian Marsden). Researchers conducted the study on 500 patients, who arrived at the hospitals' emergency with shortness of breath '— a classic symptom of heart failure. Shortness of breath is also a common symptom of other conditions such as worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary (lung) disease, pneumonia and some heart attacks, forcing emergency physicians to spend a lot of time trying to reach a diagnosis. NT-proBNP facilitates differentiation of those conditions.In this study, physicians immediately committed to a diagnosis for each patient based on their clinical judgment. Those diagnoses were later judged by cardiologists blinded to each patient's NT-proBNP results, which were measured upon admission and again at 72 hours. The patients were then randomized to receive either usual care or care guided by the NT-proBNP test results. The median level of NT-proBNP in the 230 patients with final diagnoses of acute HF was 3,097 picograms per milliliter (pg/ml), compared to 212 pg/ml in those without acute decompensate HF. Knowledge of NT-proBNP results reduced the duration of ED visit by 21% (6.3 to 5.6 hours), numbers of patients re-hospitalized over 60 days by 35% (51 to 33) and direct medical costs of all ED visits, hospitalizations and subsequent outpatient services by 15% (US$6,129 to US$5,180 per patient) over 60 days from enrollment. '“In a universal-access publicly-funded healthcare system like we have in Canada, we have to mandate judicious resource allocation. A strategy that uses NT-proBNP in conjunction with clinical assessment improves the overall management of patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected acute HF through the facilitation of diagnosis, and provides health cost savings that are accompanied by an improvement in selected clinical outcomes,'” Moe said. '“The use of the NT-proBNP test will improve the overall management of patients with suspected acute HF, and this biomarker should be part of the routine management of these patients.'” Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=14&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=15&lang=en Roche Diagnostics announces the winner of the new ACCU-CHEK Spirit insulin pump system at the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes held at Parc Angrignon. Heather Michelin from Montreal receives the latest in pump therapy technology from ACCU-CHEK. Heather will now be able to manage her diabetes with confident control and real-life flexibility.The ACCU-CHEK Spirit insulin pump system includes the tools Heather needs for better diabetes self-management: the ACCU-CHEK Spirit insulin pump, the ACCU-CHEK Pocket Compass software with bolus calculator on a Palm® PDA and an ACCU-CHEK blood glucose meter. With the selectable user menus that let her see the features she wants to use, the reversible display that let her wear the pump the way she wants and the convenient size - thin enough to fit comfortably in a bra pouch or pocket, it truly is a pump therapy MADE FOR HER.About Roche and Roche DiagnosticsHeadquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world's leading research-focused healthcare groups in the fields of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. As a supplier of innovative products and services for the early detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, the Group contributes on a broad range of fronts to improving people's health and quality of life. Roche is a world leader in diagnostics, the leading supplier of drugs for cancer and transplantation and a market leader in virology. In 2006 sales by the Pharmaceuticals Division totaled 33.3 billion Swiss francs, and the Diagnostics Division posted sales of 8.7 billion Swiss francs. Roche employs roughly 75,000 people in 150 countries and has R'&D agreements and strategic alliances with numerous partners, including majority ownership interests in Genentech and Chugai. Roche's Diagnostics Division offers a uniquely broad product portfolio and supplies a wide array of innovative testing products and services to researchers, physicians, patients, hospitals and laboratories world-wide.About Accu-ChekAccu-Chek is a pioneer in the development of blood glucose monitoring systems and a global leader for comprehensive diabetes care. This means offering people with diabetes innovative products and services ranging from blood glucose monitoring through data management to insulin delivery. For over 30 years, Accu-Chek has been committed to making life easier for people with diabetes and healthcare professionals with innovative products and services which make diabetes management easier, more efficient and cost effective. The Accu-Chek family encompasses blood glucose meters, infusion pumps, lancing and data management systems, such as the Accu-Chek Compact Plus and Accu-Chek Aviva. For further information, please visit our websites www.rochediagnostics.ca or www.accu-chek.ca.ACCU-CHEK, ACCU-CHEK SPIRIT, ACCU-CHEK COMPACT PLUS and ACCU-CHEK AVIVA are trademarks of Roche. Sun, 27 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=15&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=16&lang=en Roche Diagnostics introduces in the Canadian market a diagnostic Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test. This test called the Linear Array Genotyping test identifies 37 high- and low-risk HPV genotypes. Persistent infection with high-risk genotypes is known to be associated with progression to cervical cancer. Thu, 7 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=16&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=17&lang=en In Canada,  heart failure (HF) affects between 200,000 and 300,000 Canadians (1). Since 1970, the rate of death from HF has increased by 60% and the current 5-year survival rate is only 62% (1). It is estimated that 81,000 persons are hospitalized for heart failure every year (2). HF is usually diagnosed by clinical and radiographic evaluations and the speed of which the diagnosis is established is crucial particularly in emergency room (ER) settings. Cardiac biomarkers, particularly NT-proBNP, could facilitate accurate and rapid diagnosis of HF. NT-proBNP has a high negative predictive value of up to 100%. The introduction of the NT-proBNP tests could generate yearly savings up to $88 million in the Canadian Healthcare system. Wed, 15 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=17&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=18&lang=en Following the information provided by the Public Health Authorities of Chaudière-Appalaches, Roche Diagnostics gives additional information on the matter: Wed, 1 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=18&lang=en http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=19&lang=en Roche Diagnostics announces an investment of $ 10 million to expand its head office in Laval, Quebec. The construction of the 26,230 square feet building starts at the end of March 2006 and will be completed in January 2007. Thu, 30 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://rochediagnostics.ca/media/media.php?release=19&lang=en