(openPR) - Mainz, November 16, 2011 – For Medica 2011, ORGENTEC Diagnostika presents a new laboratory test for the diagnosis of rheumatism. The highly sensitive Anti-CCP hs (high sensitive)® test makes possible the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which in turn allows for successful treatment of this autoimmune disease.

The new Anti-CCP hs (high sensitive)® test is the most recent development in the area of ACPA testing. This innovate enzyme immunoassay combines the advantages of MCV antibody detection (Anti-MCV®), which have been confirmed in many publications, with the power of modern peptide synthesis.

Anti-CCP hs (high sensitive)® is based on selected and optimized peptide epitopes of the body’s own protein MCV (mutated citrullinated vimentin). With its tailored antigen profile, this new laboratory test attains the highest diagnostic sensitivity and extraordinarily high specificity. It is thus positioned to be a powerful tool for the rapid and precise routine diagnosis of suspected RA and the diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis.

Timely diagnosis of RA is critical to patient outcome because early, effective treatment can avert damage to the joints and maintaining their function. In combination with medical history, clinical observations, and imaging techniques, serological tests like Anti-CCP hs (high sensitive)® lay the groundwork for early diagnosis.

Alongside rheumatoid factor, antibodies against citrullinated antigens, known as ACPA, have become established as useful and significant biomarkers in rheumatism diagnostics. The introduction of Anti-CCP hs (high sensitive)® from ORGENTEC now makes available an ACPA test that allows for the diagnosis of RA with comparable sensitivity, significantly improved specificity, and greater prognostic significance than tests for conventional rheumatoid factors. - www.orgentec.com

About ORGENTEC Diagnostika:
Based in Mainz, ORGENTEC Diagnostika is a global leader in the development and marketing of test systems for autoimmune diagnostics and serological tests for infectious disease. ORGENTEC has developed numerous highly specific ELISA test systems, immunoblot and immunofluorescence tests, the Alegria® random access analyser, and the rheumachec® rapid test. - www.orgentec.com

ORGENTEC Diagnostika GmbH
Carl-Zeiss-Straße 49-51
55129 Mainz, Germany

orgentec@orgentec.com

www.orgentec.com
www.rheumachec.com

Communications Managers:
Tobias Stolzenberg
Dr. Friederike Hammar

Tel. +49 (0) 6131 9258-677, -674
Fax +49 (0) 6131 9258-58

tobias.stolzenberg@orgentec.com
friederike.hammar@orgentec.com

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