Microbix Biosystems Inc. (TSX: MBX, OTCQX: MBXBF), a Canadian life sciences innovator, has joined forces with EMQN CIC, a UK-based provider of external quality assessment (EQA) schemes for human genomic testing, to introduce a groundbreaking program aimed at enhancing the accuracy of genetic testing for patients at risk of hearing loss due to antibiotic treatment. This initiative focuses on the identification of the MT-RNR1 m.1555A>G gene variant, which is linked to increased susceptibility to profound hearing loss when exposed to aminoglycoside antibiotics.
The new EQA program is designed to support Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) and acute-care laboratories in their efforts to accurately assess whether patients carry this specific gene variant. It is estimated that one in every 500 individuals carries the MT-RNR1 m.1555A>G variant, which can lead to irreversible hearing impairment following treatment with commonly used antibiotics such as Gentamycin, Kanamycin, Streptomycin, and Tobramycin. These antibiotics are crucial for treating serious bacterial infections, particularly in vulnerable populations like newborns suspected of having bacterial sepsis, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical intervention.
Microbix’s quality assessment products (QAPs™), delivered on Copan® FLOQSwabs®, will be integral to this EQA program. These products allow laboratories to process samples resembling cheek or buccal swabs, enabling them to validate the accuracy of their MT-RNR1 assays. Participants in the program will receive three samples every two months, totaling 18 samples per year, ensuring they maintain high testing standards and deliver reliable diagnoses.
Sean Sales, Operations Director at EMQN, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Microbix’s assistance has been invaluable in developing the QAPs for this significant EQA program. It is essential that acute care physicians have access to accurate information that informs their treatment decisions, preventing unnecessary lifelong consequences for patients.”
Cameron Groome, CEO and President of Microbix, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are proud to contribute to the establishment of an EQA that supports critical clinical decision-making. Our collaboration with EMQN and Copan ensures that healthcare providers can rely on accurate testing and appropriate treatment options for patients globally. This initiative marks Microbix’s entry into the realm of genetic testing accuracy, complementing our existing focus on infectious diseases and oncology.”
The EQA program is now open for enrollment by laboratories in the UK and internationally under the code POCT MT-RNR1 25 via EMQN’s website. Inquiries regarding Microbix’s QAPs can be directed to their customer service team.
EMQN CIC is based in Manchester, UK, and specializes in providing quality assurance tools and expertise within the human genomic testing sector through its EQA schemes. The organization is dedicated to ensuring optimal molecular diagnostic procedures and analytical performance while adhering to international standards.
Microbix Biosystems Inc. develops proprietary biological products aimed at improving human health. With over 100 employees, the company generates significant monthly sales and exports a diverse range of critical ingredients and devices for the global diagnostics industry. Microbix’s offerings include antigens for immunoassays and laboratory QAPs that facilitate clinical lab proficiency testing and ensure quality across diagnostic workflows. Their products are available in over 30 countries and are supported by a robust network of international distributors.
This partnership between Microbix and EMQN represents a significant advancement in genetic testing quality assurance, promising enhanced patient outcomes through improved diagnostic accuracy.
