New Weapon Against Sepsis: SIRS-Lab Launches DNA-Based Test for Fast Pathogen Detection

SIRS-Lab launches VYOO(TM), a novel DNA-based test for the
detection of sepsis pathogens. Within 6 hours, key-information for a
successful antibiotic therapy is provided. VYOO(TM) combines
precision, short time-to-results, and easy handling.

With the specific and fast identification of bacteria, fungi, and
resistances, VYOO(TM) carries significant potential to guide the
antibiotic therapy in patients suffering from sepsis.

The PCR based test detects 40 bacterial and fungal species that
cause life-threatening infections. Simultaneously, 5 important
antibiotic resistances are identified. The results of 16 patients per
user are provided within 6 hours whereby diagnostic key information is
available within the first treatment cycle. International studies
prove that the so called "golden hours" of sepsis treatment are
crucial for the individual prognosis of the patient. Moreover,
VYOO(TM) will contribute to dealing with the increasing public health
problem of antibiotic resistances.

In microbiology laboratories, VYOO(TM) will be an effective system
for the analysis of complex blood samples. The test works with
standard PCR equipment and is easy to handle. Dr. Marc Lehmann,
SIRS-Lab's chief developer, remarks: "First retrospective studies will
be presented to international experts at the congress 'Sepsis and
Multiorgan Dysfunction' on September 6, 2007 in Weimar, Germany. These
data document an increased hit-rate and dramatically reduced
time-to-result as well as proved ease of use." The high sensitivity of
VYOO(TM) is achieved by LOOXSTER(R), which is based on SIRS-Lab's
proprietary PUREPROVE(R) technology for the enrichment of bacterial
and fungal DNA.

In a multiyear process and in close collaboration with leading
clinicians and microbiologists, the SIRS-Lab GmbH developed VYOO(TM)
ready for the market.

About SIRS-Lab GmbH

Located in Jena, Germany, SIRS-Lab is a diagnostic company
developing unique and innovative products to identify and monitor
life-threatening infections as sepsis, the major cause of death in
hospitals. SIRS-Lab was founded in 2000 by S. Russwurm, K. Reinhart,
E. Straube, and H.-P. Saluz, and currently employs more than 30
people. Affentranger Associates SA based in Geneva, Switzerland, acts
as the lead investor.