Osteoporosis affects over 75 million people worldwide and in a single year there are more than 9 million instances of osteoporotic fractures making it the fourth most significant non-infectious disease after cardiovascular disorders, cancer and diabetes. It is now known that Osteoporosis and the subsequent risk of fracture is under genetic control (The Genomos Study) with the genes of Collagen type 1 (COLIA1) and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) being of significant importance in this process. 

Genetic testing allows potential sufferers of the disease to identify their increased risk of developing osteoporosis and to start preventative treatment as soon as possible.

Astra Biotech GmbH have now developed the new Osteoporosis Kit diagnostic test kit using RT-PCR for the detection of polymorphisms in the COLIA1 and VDR genes  to improve the identification of defects which result in abnormalities in  bone matrix mineralization.

The Osteoporosis assay is an assay which tests both polymorphisms and is more sensitive and convenient than alternative assays.  The new kit includes all the necessary primers, enzymes, positive controls and buffers sufficient for 100 assays. The Osteoporosis assay is produced following strict quality control procedures and using only certified high purity reagents, being in addition IVD compliant and therefore suitable for clinical applications.  If the risk of osteoporosis is identified at an early stage then suitable treatment regimes may be introduced to minimise the risk of bone deterioration in line with Astra Biotech GmbH's philosophy that prevention is better than a cure.

Astra Biotech GmbH also manufacture kits for the detection of hereditary thrombophilia and the determination of an individuals susceptibility or resistance to oral anticoagulants plus a wide range of convenient ELISA assays offering exceptional value for money to small or medium sized laboratories.

For further information please visit www.astrabiotech.de