BEVERLY, MA and TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - Jun 27, 2014) - Hamilton Thorne Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: HTL), a leading provider of precision laser devices and advanced image analysis systems for the fertility, stem cell and developmental biology research markets, today announced that it will preview its new, automated DNA Fragmentation software at the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology meeting to be held in Munich from June 29 to July 2, 2014.
Hamilton Thorne's DNA Fragmentation software offers automated sperm chromatin dispersion measurement utilizing the Company's IVOS® II and CEROS™ II CASA image analysis systems in conjunction with Halotech's Halosperm® family of assays.
The DNA Fragmentation software provides the andrologist with fast, accurate, objective and repeatable assessment of DNA Fragmentation. The software automatically classifies sperm DNA as fragmented or non-fragmented by measuring the size of the "halo" produced by the Halotech kit, eliminating technician errors and variability.
Features include:
- High speed digital imaging for excellent image quality and seamless image capture
- Digital debris filter ensures more accurate analysis
- Storage of all analyzed fields by patient for easy recall
- Thumbnail image gallery of all fields analyzed, with detailed view of each analyzed cell
- Built-in database with customized reports (report designer optional)
- Language localization - available in English, French, Russian, Chinese and Spanish
Hamilton Thorne and Halotech DNA SL also announced that they have signed an agreement to collaborate on development and marketing programs to accelerate the sales of their products.
"We believe that more and more IVF clinics are moving to add genetic assessment as an integral part of the IVF process," said David Wolf, President and CEO of Hamilton Thorne. "The Halosperm assay is the most widely accepted and easiest to use sperm DNA fragmentation assay on the market. By collaborating with industry leaders such as Halotech, we can cut our time to market in providing this useful tool to clinics."
"Hamilton Thorne is the premier provider of Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis products to our core clinical science market." Commented Altea Gosalbez, managing director of Halotech DNA SL, "We are pleased that Hamilton Thorne will be offering state of the art DNA fragmentation software utilizing the HaloSperm Family assays."
The software is expected to be commercially available in the fall of 2014.
Halosperm and Hamilton Thorne's DNA fragmentation software are for research purposes only in the United States.
About Hamilton Thorne Ltd. (www.hamiltonthorne.com)
Hamilton Thorne designs, manufactures and distributes precision laser devices and advanced image analysis systems for the fertility, stem cell and development biology research markets. It provides novel solutions for Life Science that reduce cost, increase productivity, improve results and enable research breakthroughs in fertility, regenerative medicine, and stem cell research markets. Hamilton Thorne's laser products attach to standard inverted microscopes and operate as robotic micro-surgeons, enabling a wide array of scientific applications and IVF procedures. Its imaging systems improve outcomes in human IVF clinics and animal breeding facilities and provide high-end toxicology analyses.
The Company's growing customer base includes pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, fertility clinics, university research centers, and other commercial and academic research establishments worldwide. Current customers include world-leading research labs such as Harvard, MIT, Yale, McGill, DuPont, Monsanto, Charles River Labs, Jackson Labs, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, and Oxford and Cambridge.
About Halotech DNA SL. (http://www.halotechdna.com)
Halotech DNA SL is a biotechnology company whose main focus is in the field of genetics. The patented technology of Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) technology allows the measurement of DNA fragmentation in a quick and easy way with no need of complex laboratory equipment.
Based on the SCD technology, Halotech has developed and commercialized in vitro diagnostic kits to assess DNA fragmentation in human and animal sperm cells under the registered trademarks Halosperm® and Halomax® respectively. Halotech has currently developed other products within the family of Halosperm® for measuring oxidative stress in sperm cells, and DNA fragmentation in leukocytes and bacteria. Halotech DNA SL operates under strict quality controls (ISO 13485, AGEMED) in the development, manufacturing and commercialization of its products distributed all over the world.
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Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by the Company with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.