Hologic, Inc. (Nasdaq: HOLX) announced today that it has obtained approval from Health Canada for its new Panther Fusion® system and Panther Fusion assays for respiratory virus infections. The Fusion module offers laboratories the ability to extend the testing capabilities of the existing Panther system.

The Panther Fusion module is an in-lab upgrade to the Panther® instrument.  This addition adds the flexibility of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to the proven performance of TMA (transcription-mediated amplification), which is used by the Panther system.   Offering labs multiple chemistries on a single platform enables further consolidation of lab testing. The Panther Fusion system retains all the key benefits of the Panther platform, including fully automated sample-to-result automation, multiple tests from a single sample, random access sample processing, continuous loading, and STAT capabilities.

Additional benefits include a higher throughput of up to 335 Panther Fusion tests in eight hours, or up to 500 Fusion and Aptima® tests. Flexibility is also improved with the addition of open access functionality to run laboratory-developed tests and protocols.  This new capability allows laboratories to concentrate on developing assays, while the Panther Fusion system automates workflow and reduces overall hands-on time.

“We’re delighted to receive approval from Health Canada for the Panther Fusion system, the latest innovation from our Diagnostics division. This system creates an integrated workflow that provides our customers with enhanced flexibility and increased efficiency,” said Tom West, president, Diagnostic Solutions Division at Hologic. “Three new assays for flu and respiratory infections also were approved, which extend the range of diagnostics tests that laboratories can run on one Hologic system. Hologic’s flu and respiratory assays enable customers to run only the targets requested for a patient, allowing for personalized testing and helping control costs.”

The Panther Fusion respiratory assays include the Panther Fusion Flu A/B/RSV, Panther Fusion Paraflu, and Panther Fusion AdV/hMPV/RV tests.  These PCR-based assays offer a modular approach to syndromic testing via the ability to run one, two or all three assays from a single patient specimen depending on the needs of a given patient.

The new PCR-based Panther Fusion assays, combined with the Aptima TMA assays, make the Panther Fusion system the only instrument to combine TMA, real-time TMA and real-time PCR with full sample to result automation.

About Hologic, Inc.

Hologic, Inc. is an innovative medical technology company primarily focused on improving women’s health and well-being through early detection and treatment. 

Hologic, The Science of Sure, Aptima and Panther are registered trademarks of Hologic, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.