Cellestis appoints Indomedix as new Commercial Partner for distribution of QFT in Egypt and Sudan

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Darmstadt, Germany; May 26, 2009 – Cellestis is pleased to introduce Indomedix (Cairo, Egypt) as its newly appointed commercial partner for distribution of the tuberculosis test, QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT™), in Egypt and Sudan. A diagnostics distribution company with a strong focus on infectious diseases, Indomedix has already undertaken joint marketing and sales activities with Cellestis to assess market acceptance of QFT. Cellestis' appointment of Indomedix, an experienced local distributor, will help serve the growing QFT demand of our Egyptian and Sudanese customers.

With tuberculosis (TB) infection widespread, both Egypt and Sudan have a clear need for improved TB infection screening. The tuberculin skin test, despite its limitations, has traditionally been the only diagnostic test available in this region for tuberculosis screening. Of concern for Egypt and Sudan, where BCG vaccination is required at birth, is that the skin test is highly confounded by BCG vaccination and prevents accurate TB diagnosis. To improve this, public health and occupational TB programs in the region are now looking to QFT because it is not influenced by BCG vaccination and has been proven to be a more accurate and cost-effective means of detecting TB infection. In particular, Egyptian health services, universities and schools will face important challenges in future because of the influx of individuals from high-endemic TB areas.


For interested customers, please contact Indomedix at:
Indomedix Egypt
4 Ebn Abd Elzaher St.
Manschiet Al-Bakry Heliopolis
Cairo, Egypt
T: +20 2245 17339
F +20 2245 17296
E: Indomedix@gmail.com
Contact: Dr. Ibrahim Ismail

About QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-tube (QFT™):
QFT™ is the first major advancement in TB diagnosis since the introduction of the Mantoux or tuberculin skin test (TST) over 100 years ago. The QFT test is based on measurement of a cell mediated immune response in TB-infected individuals. The T cells of these individuals are sensitized to TB, and respond to stimulation with peptides simulating those expressed by the TB causing bacteria, secreting a cytokine called interferon-γ. QFT accurately measures the interferon-γ response in a sensitive enzyme assay. Unlike the TST, QFT is unaffected by previous BCG vaccination and most other mycobacteria. QFT requires only one patient visit, is a controlled laboratory test, and provides an objective, reproducible result that is not subject to interpretation based on a patient’s relative risk factors for TB exposure. The test has received regulatory and policy approvals in the USA, Japan, Europe, Canada and elsewhere.

About Indomedix:
Indomedix is a leading distributor specializing in medical diagnostics in the Egyptian market. Established in 1998, Indomedix represents the highest-quality European and U.S. manufacturers of diagnostic products and has a long-established clinical and research customer base for products including QuantiFERON, ELISA kits, and fertility and IVF units. Indomedix is located in Cairo, Egypt with distribution offices in Alexandria, Mansoura, Assuite, and Aswan.