ProAxsis Limited (www.proaxsis.com), the Belfast-based company focused on developing new assays for the measurement of active protease biomarkers of disease, today announces that it has successfully registered a CE Mark for its novel ProteaseTag® Active Proteinase 3 Immunoassay. Furthermore, the company confirms an immediate first commercial sale for this new immunoassay.

Proteinase 3 is a neutrophilic protease, which has been associated with causing inflammation and destruction of the lung matrix in respiratory diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and bronchiectasis. The ProteaseTag® Active Proteinase 3 Immunoassay was developed by ProAxsis in collaboration with a US-based biotechnology company as part of an ongoing collaboration.

Commenting on the news, Dr David Ribeiro, CEO of ProAxsis, said: “There is increasing interest in the development of new products which inhibit neutrophilic proteases, such as Proteinase 3, as therapeutics for inflammatory diseases. This has driven the need for reliable methods for quantification of active Proteinase 3 in clinical samples. We are delighted to have collaborated with our US partners on this successful development programme and anticipate that this new immunoassay will be of significant value to both academic and pharmaceutical company researchers working in this field.”

Any queries concerning ProAxsis’ immunoassay for measuring active Proteinase 3, or any requests for support with measuring other active protease biomarkers using the Company’s proprietary ProteaseTag® technology, can be directed to info@proaxsis.com.

About ProAxsis Limited

ProAxsis is utilising its proprietary ProteaseTag® technology to develop a range of products for the capture, detection and measurement of active protease biomarkers of diseases. The company has already launched activity-based immunoassays for both neutrophil elastase and plasmin, as well as a rapid point-of-care test for neutrophil elastase (NEATstik®). ProteaseTags® provide a unique tool to identify and quantify active protease biomarkers and will assist in the clinical validation of new therapeutics.

ProAxsis is part of the NetScientific Group and is one of the Group’s core portfolio companies. The company is also supported by QUBIS, the commercialisation arm of Queens University Belfast.