The Statens Serum Institut (SSI), Copenhagen, Denmark and Atlantic Biologicals Corp., Miami, FL US, have formed a partnership to introduce a new diagnostic product to North America.

Flexicult^TM, designed for testing for urinary tract infection (“UTI”), has been in use in Denmark and is now seeking regulatory approval for commercialization in the United States.

Niels Frimodt-Møller, MD, Scientific Officer Statens Serum Institut, indicated that Flexicultä had received a strongly positive reception in local markets and that market research also supports an equally good response in the US.

Karen L. Moody, President Atlantic Biologicals, has stated, “Flexicult^TM is a truly innovative product for the detection and diagnosis of UTI, incorporating the technology of the established gold standard of testing and an easy, reliable and highly accessible analytical format.”

UTI has been identified as a significant public health problem afflicting more than half of all women in their lifetime and requiring a physician office visit and treatment with antibiotic.  Overuse of antibiotics is seen as a challenge, and the family physician is directed to follow a principle of using the drug with the narrowest spectrum and least toxicity. Drug resistance in this type of infection is frequently noted. The use of Flexicultä overseas has been seen to address a need for rapid determination of suspect pathogen and selection of relevant antibiotics.

In statements by overseas healthcare providers using Flexicult^TM, it was said that routine use has been shown to have “markedly lowered our expenditure on microbiological services". It has also been found to address the needs of medical specialists; a pediatric nephrologist noted daily use of Flexicult^TM in their practice.

The Statens Serum Institut was established for the prevention and control of infectious diseases, biological threats and congenital disorders.  SSI has been an important contributor in the fields of vaccine development, development of diagnostic tests and invitro diagnostic products.

Atlantic Biologicals is a North America based distributor of diagnostic products, generic and brand name pharmaceuticals and plasma derivatives. For more information about the Statens Serum Institute, visit them at www.ssi.dk