Lophius and Mediphos sign exclusive distribution partnership for T-Track® CMV in the Benelux countries

T-Track^® CMV is a highly-standardized diagnostic test measuring human cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific cell-mediated immunity with superior sensitivity, thereby supporting the risk stratification of CMV-related clinical complications in transplant recipients. By combining the Lophius’ proprietary T-activation Technology with the ELISpot method, T-Track^® CMV closely mimics the natural immune response to infection by measuring the functionality of a broad network of CMV-reactive effector cells. Together with CMV viral load measurement, T-Track^® CMV supports personalized CMV management by guiding physicians in their decision to start, adjust or discontinue antiviral therapy.¹

“We are looking forward to collaborating with Mediphos as strong, flexible and innovative partner with an established customer network in the virology and transplantation area within the Benelux countries. Joining forces will help us leverage our CE mark and enter the market in another region of the European Union” commented Bernd Merkl, CEO & Managing Director of Lophius Biosciences.

“With the market introduction of T-Track^® CMV, we can offer an innovative tool that drastically improves anti-CMV therapy decision-making. Therefore, this new test perfectly complements our portfolio of high-quality diagnostic products to support therapeutic decisions and help to enhance patients’ quality of life” said Andre van der Mark, Managing Director of Mediphos Medical Supplies B.V.

¹Background:

The replication of CMV, with a high seroprevalence in the human population of 30-90%, is efficiently controlled in healthy individuals by the immune system via cell-mediated immunity. To avoid uncontrolled CMV replication immunosuppressed patients, like transplant recipients, are treated with antiviral medication either prophylactically in the first months after transplantation or preemptively based on CMV viral load measurement. However, optimal duration of either prophylaxis or of virological monitoring is not well defined. In the current setting, assessment of CMV-specific immunity and the ability of immunosuppressed patients to control virus replication via their immune system are not taken into consideration. On the one hand this may expose patients with delayed immune reconstitution to higher risk for CMV disease. On the other hand it may result in overtreatment of patients with reconstituted and protective CMV immunity. Avoiding unnecessary antiviral treatment would prevent unwanted side effects for the patients and increased costs for the healthcare system.

By measuring CMV-specific cell-mediated immunity, T-Track® CMV adds an additional dimension to anti-CMV treatment decision-making, complementing the currently used viral load tests. The close monitoring of CMV-specific immunity using T-Track® CMV together with CMV viral load measurement has the potential to improve risk stratification of patients and to help clinicians in their decision to start, discontinue or adjust antiviral treatment.

About Mediphos Medical Supplies B.V.

Mediphos Medical Supplies B.V., a subsidiary of Mediphos Group, is a dynamic and flexible company specializing in importing, marketing and distributing in vitro diagnostics such as kits, reagents, rapid tests and smaller instruments for clinical laboratories. Its aim is to provide high-quality products from a selective range of suppliers combined with a high degree of service and knowledge at a reasonable price. Within doctor’s offices, Mediphos delivers professional tests that give a reliable result in a few minutes – such as CRP, cholesterol and urine analyses. These tests address the increasing demand for fast and reliable point-of-care solutions. Mediphos is ISO certified according to ISO 9001:2008 and a member of the Dutch Diagnostics Association (Diagned). The company was established in 2000 and is based in Renkum, the Netherlands.