The University of Manchester has announced a strategic collaboration with US company Singulex, a leader in the use of single molecule counting technology as a diagnostic tool (The University of Manchester, 2016).

Singulex has installed its SMCTM powered Sgx ClarityTM System in the Manchester Molecular Pathology Innovation Centre (MMPathIC) labs as part of its ongoing clinical evaluation ahead of an anticipated CE mark declaration in 2017. The Sgx Clarity System is a fully automated in vitro diagnostics platform currently under development. Manchester Molecular Pathology Innovation Centre is utilising the Sgx Clarity System to evaluate SMC powered high-precision cardiac troponin assays to guide disease rule-out in cardiac disease.

Professor Anthony Freemont, Director of MMPathIC, said “The ability to access SMC technology in our own facility via the Sgx Clarity System is extremely valuable. Our clinical evaluation of the Sgx Clarity System is examining the economic impact of ruling-out coronary artery disease, with a view to the utility in the acute and community-based settings. We’re also looking at potential future applications in AMI, oncology and infectious disease. Already, I can see broad potential for clinical applications and the ability to inform physician decisions and help bring economic benefits to the broader health setting…The collaboration with Singulex is a great exemplar of the work that MMPathIC can do to support companies, whilst facilitating the translation of new tests to the clinic for the benefit of patients.”

Professor Rick Body, from the University of Manchester and Professor at the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said “High-sensitivity testing of cardiac troponin is a game-changer for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease We need high precision and sensitivity assays to definitively rule-out disease. Assessing cardiac biomarkers at levels previously unattainable will help physicians rule-out disease in patients suspected of having cardiovascular disease and hence focus on the patients with the greatest risk and need, while also helping to reduce the overall cost and risk for the patient and the health system.”

Guido Baechler, president and CEO of Singulex, Inc, said “Singulex is very excited to be working with our colleagues in the Manchester Molecular Pathology Innovation Centre. It is critical for our company that we work with organizations that share our desire to deliver precision approaches for the transformation of patient care. As a recognized leader in the UK and across Europe, we feel MMPathIC will play an important role in the development of future assays and application of our technology to help improve health outcomes and reduce health care costs.”