ALPCO Diagnostics Launches First Commercially Available Sclerostin ELISA in the U.S.

Salem, NH, July 27, 2010 --(PR.com)-- ALPCO Diagnostics recently launched an ELISA specific for measuring human sclerostin in serum and plasma. Sclerostin inhibits osteoblast activity via antagonism of the wnt signaling pathway and plays a key role in the regulation of bone formation. Reports show that sclerostin expression and/or circulating levels are elevated in osteoporosis, immobilization-induced bone loss, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple myeloma and bone metastases, making it a therapeutic target of great interest for the fields of bone and cancer research. There are indications that sclerostin levels are also elevated with chronic kidney disease, suggesting relevance in the study of renal insufficiency as well.

The commercial release of the Sclerostin ELISA in the U.S. builds upon a longstanding relationship between ALPCO and Biomedica Gruppe, premier developer and manufacturer of immunoassays for the bone metabolism field, including the Osteoprotegerin (OPG), sRANKL, DKK-1 and Cathepsin K ELISAs. “Biomedica is proud to be considered a leading supplier of new and innovative bone-related ELISAs following the launch of our OPG ELISA in 2000. As we witness the increase in publication numbers over the last few years for Sclerostin and DKK-1, both key regulators of the Wnt signaling pathway, Biomedica again proves to be directly at the hot spot of bone research,” states Wolfgang Woloszczuk, Founder and CEO of Biomedica Gruppe.

About ALPCO Diagnostics
ALPCO was founded in 1990 as an importer and distributor of high quality research immunoassay kits. Since that time, their primary goals have been to offer a diverse line of assays that appeal to their broad customer base while also providing exceptional customer service and product support. Continued achievement of these objectives has been complemented by an increase in internal product development and manufacturing and expansion of its international distribution network.

About Biomedica Gruppe
Biomedica Gruppe is a privately owned group of companies with its headquarters in Vienna, Austria. Biomedica was founded in 1978 as a local distribution company, and ten years later, began development and manufacture of its own human research immunoassays in cardiology, nephrology and orthopedics and a number of diagnostics for veterinary applications as well. Biomedica currently oversees a worldwide distribution network, with numerous subsidiaries in Central Europe, including Poland and the Balkans.

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