Advanced genomic technologies used as focus of alliance.

2003 NOV 6 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Cenetron Diagnostics, Ltd., a leading provider of molecular diagnostic services, announced it has signed a 5-year strategic alliance agreement with Roche Diagnostics to establish itself as a Molecular Center of Excellence to perform routine molecular diagnostic testing, esoteric genomic testing, and other related diagnostics services using Roche's patented polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other advanced genomic technologies.

Molecular diagnostic testing serves as the core of Cenetron's diagnostic services to clients by providing more sensitive, more specific and faster results for optimal patient care. Cenetron also specializes in clinical trials work to support the development efforts of leading pharmaceutical companies worldwide.

Molecular testing brings not only the ability to diagnose specific viral and bacterial pathogens, but also to serially monitor the quantity of pathogen within patients, a feature which allows precise clinical decision making as well as enhanced development support for pharmaceutical clients. Further, molecular genetic testing will be used to provide highly accurate predictive values when screening for disease - associated genetic mutations.

Cenetron intends to continue to leverage its experience as a molecular reference laboratory and clinical trials partner and combine them with Roche's expertise and support in molecular and genomic diagnostics.

"This agreement aligns Cenetron with the world's leading diagnostic company to become an early adopter in the coming explosion of advanced, esoteric molecular diagnostic testing, as well as giving us the ability to benefit from Roche's vast support resources," said Dwight DuBois, MD, Cenetron's ...