MetaSystems Press Releases
MetaSystems certified for ISO 9001 and ISO 13485.
Altlussheim, August, 04th, 2006.
Quality management (QM) following ISO 9001:2000 is a well established worldwide standard. However, as manufacturer of systems for in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) use MetaSystems generally has to fulfill higher standards. These standards are covered by the ISO 13485:2003 norm.
MetaSystems started to establish a quality management system in the year 2003. Recently the company and the quality management system has been audited by the DEKRA-Certification GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany. Now MetaSystems can proudly announce the official certification for both, the ISO 9001:2000 and the ISO 13485:2003 regulations. Details about ISO and the requirements for certification are available on the official pages www.iso.org. The original certificates are available as PDF files on our download page.
MetaSystems Asia in HongKong, China, established.
Altlussheim, November, 12th, 2004.
Hong Kong has a bustling economy highly dependent on international trade. It is one of the world's freest economies, as well as the world's 10th largest trading entity and 11th largest banking center. Hong Kong has been the gateway to Asia for many companies worldwide, and now also MetaSystems announces the opening of a new branch office in this exciting city.
MetaSystems Asia Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of MetaSystems GmbH in Germany. It will be covering sales and support issues in the Far Eastern and Southern Pacific countries. "We are experiencing a growing demand for our products in the Asian-Pacific markets and recognize the importance of having an office in the region, thus, providing a local support team for our customers and sales partners“, MetaSystems officials said. Mr. Ingo Miesczalok, previously managing director of Carl Zeiss Far East, has been appointed managing director of MetaSystems Asia.
XCAP and XaCyte DNA probe Kits
Altlussheim, September, 29th, 2004.
MetaSystems announces the availablity of two new DNA probe kits:
The XCAP chromosome arm painting kit
differentially labels p- and q-arm of human chromosomes and, thus, can be
used do determine on which chromosome arm a rearrangement occurs. Unlike
whole chromosome paints, intrachromosomal aberrations such as inversions are
easily visualised due to the specific color pattern.
The XaCyte arm specific multicolor FISH (mFISH) contains, in contrast to the
24XCyte
human mFISH kit, one additional fluorochrome, that selectively labels one
arm of each chromosome class.
21XMouse Mouse mFISH Kit
Altlussheim, November, 05th, 2002.
MetaSystems announces the availability of 21XMouse, the multicolor FISH probe kit for mouse chromosomes. Created for use with MetaSystems' successful filter-based multicolor analysis system Isis-mFISH, 21XMouse extends the range of MetaSystems' integrated multicolor solutions.
Like the 24XCyte human mFISH kit, 21XMouse comprises the components for simultaneous detection of all 21 mouse chromosomes. The individual mouse chromosome painting probes are combinatorially labeled using 5 different fluorochromes. MetaSystems' Isis-mFISH imaging system captures the individual fluorochromes into separate color channels. Highly selective filter sets are used to separate the emission spectra of the used fluorochromes. The filter-based imaging approach allows direct visualisation of the individual color components of the labeled chromosomes - under the microscope as well as in the raw and processed images. Subsequent color classification of each individual pixel automatically identifies chromosomes or chromosome fragments which facilitates the analysis of complex chromosome rearrangements.
"The combination of 21XMouse and Isis-mFISH satisfies the long-felt need for a mouse mFISH solution", MetaSystems officials said. "We are sure that this new product will find a lot of interest from researchers in experimental pathology, developmental biology, and cancer research."
MetaSystems is a leading provider of automated imaging systems with applications in cytogenetics, molecular genetics, toxicology, and cancer research. The product portfolio includes the Ikaros karyotyping and Isis FISH imaging systems. DNA probe kits for multicolor FISH applications complement the range of imaging systems. The high throughput scanning platform Metafer automates metaphase finding, rare cell detection, and cell screening for genetic analyses such as interphase FISH spot counting and translocation scoring.
Strategic Partnership with P.A.L.M. AG
Altlussheim/Bernried, July 12th, 2002.
MetaSystems GmbH and P.A.L.M. Microlaser Technologies AG will cooperate in developing and marketing an integrated slide screening/laser microdissection system. In the framework of the cooperation MetaSystems will adapt its Metafer scanning software to the PALM® MicroBeam systems.
The combination of both technologies, each leading in its segment, will allow automatic, high-throughput identification of objects of interest like particular cells or cell components, followed by immediate computer-controlled laser microdissection and laser catapulting to retrieve the material for subsequent (e.g. molecular) analysis. The high degree of automation is expected to provide significant savings of time and cost as well as quantitative information facilitating reliable characterization of the material of interest. P.A.L.M. Microlaser Technologies will have worldwide exclusive marketing rights for the integrated system.
MetaSystems is a leading provider of automated imaging systems with applications in cytogenetics, molecular genetics and cancer research. The high throughput scanning system platform Metafer is based on an automated microscope and provides the fully automatic detection of biological targets of interest at high speed. Detected or analyzed objects of interest are displayed in an image gallery and can be automatically relocated for review or manipulation. Currently, the main applications of Metafer are metaphase finding, rare cell detection, and cell screening for genetic analyses such as interphase FISH spot counting and translocation scoring.
P.A.L.M. Microlaser Technologies AG is a leading supplier of micromanipulation systems using its proprietary, worldwide patented Laser Pressure Catapulting technology. For many biological analyses in molecular biology, in genetic and proteomic research, in oncology, pathology and in many other areas in biological science, microdissection systems are more and more a tool of choice. With the PALM® MicroBeam large cell areas, single cells or sub-cellular particles can be captured out of tissue sections without any mechanical contact. The technology of the laser catapult allows the transportation of the targeted material into a collecting device only with the force of light hence eliminating contamination or infection risks. Due to the purity of the captured material all subsequent analyses are possible without the impairment through impurities and contaminations.
PALM Microlaser Technologies AG Am Neuland 9 D-82347 Bernried Tel.
+49 (0) 8158 9971 0 Fax +49 (0) 8158 9971 249
eMail: info@palm-microlaser.com - WWW: www.palm-microlaser.com
MetaSystems GmbH Robert-Bosch-Strasse
6 D-68804 Altlussheim Tel. +49 (0) 6205 39610 Fax +49 (0) 6205 32270
Email: info@metasystems.de Homepage: www.metasystems.de
New CometScan Software Module for Metafer Metacyte
Altlussheim, August 07th 2001.
MetaSystems announces the launch of CometScan, the fully automated comet assay (single cell gel electrophoresis) scanning system. CometScan is based on the proven multi-purpose scanning platform Metafer and employs the sophisticated measurement algorithms of MetaSystems' semi-automatic comet assay software Comet Imager.
CometScan automatically detects cells, measures relevant comet features like intensity of head and tail, comet shape, tail moment, etc., and stores an image of each cell in a gallery. During the scan, histograms of comet parameters are displayed and updated in real time. After the scan, the operator can check the analyzed cells in the gallery. Unsuitable cells can be rejected, questionable cells can be relocated under the microscope and revisited with a simple mouse click.
With up to 1000 analyzed cells per hour CometScan provides unprecedented high throughput mutageneity testing with full documentation. With the optional slide feeder for Metafer, 72 slides can be searched unattended. The combination of the comet assay with FISH can provide additional information on region specific DNA damage. Comet-FISH images can be easily captured and archived using the seamlessly integratable Isis software package.
Strategic Partnership with Vysis, Inc.
Altlussheim, December 1st 2000.
MetaSystems has entered into a collaboration with Vysis, a developer and marketer of clinical products providing information for genomic disease management, to develop a system which will automatically scan and report on a patient specimen using Vysis' cellular genomic fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) tests. The system will allow laboratories to more efficiently analyze specimens to meet increasing test demands for Vysis products by clinicians. Vysis' rapidly expanding FISH testing menu, and the adoption of these tests by the prenatal, postnatal and cancer clinical markets, has created a growing need for an automated imaging system.
"The ability to rapidly and precisely read, report and archive the results of our genomic tests via automation is an important part of our strategic plan to provide a system capable of totally automating our growing line of genomic tests," said John Bishop, president and chief executive officer. "MetaSystems possesses strong image scanning technology including the ability to simultaneously read and analyze multiple genomic signals within the nuclei of hundreds of cells, the ability for systems to learn to identify key cellular parameters and efficient algorithms, providing optimal reading speed. These were key factors in identifying MetaSystems as the appropriate strategic partner for Vysis in this area of technology."
"We think the combination of Vysis' outstanding position in the diagnostic FISH area with MetaSystems' unique automated scanning platform has a great potential in meeting the needs of the growing clinical market demand," said Andreas Plesch, president of MetaSystems. "Integrated systems comprising reagents and optimally adapted automatic image analysis will make diagnostic procedures more efficient and economic. We are sure that this strategic collaboration will influence the growth of both companies very favorably."
Under the agreement MetaSystems will develop and produce the scanning system based on specifications to be jointly developed by Vysis and MetaSystems. Vysis will obtain any required regulatory approvals and market the system worldwide. MetaSystems will continue the development and marketing of the existing scanning platform Metafer with applications for metaphase finding, automated interphase FISH analysis, and rare cell detection. MetaSystems GmbH of Altlussheim, Germany, is the leading European company developing and marketing automated imaging systems for genetic testing. The products are sold worldwide, in the US through a sales office in Belmont, MA, and in many other regions in cooperation with the microscope manufacturer Carl Zeiss. MetaSystems has more than 1000 installations in over 45 countries.
Vysis, Inc. of Downers Grove, Ill., is a genomic disease management company that develops, commercializes and markets DNA-based clinical products providing information critical to the evaluation and management of cancer, prenatal disorders and other genetic diseases. The company has direct sales operations in the United States and Europe, a marketing partnership in Japan with Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., and a worldwide distribution network.
New Multiparametric Cell Analysis System Metafer MetaCyte
Altlussheim, May 21th, 2000.
MetaSystems introduces Metafer MetaCyte, a novel scanning image cytometer. MetaCyte combines the flexibility and resolution of a microscope with very high throughput. Microscopic slides are automatically scanned under fluorescence conditions, and images are captured using a CCD-camera. The cells of interest are automatically identified, their positions are recorded, and various morphometric features are extracted.
MetaCyte provides a flexible platform that is easily adaptable to various applications. For automatic interphase FISH scoring a three-dimensional analysis has to be performed. Image information of several focus levels per fluorochrome is combined to an extended focus image. This ensures that all signals are included, irrespective of their Z-position within the nucleus. Feature measurements yield the number and postion of FISH signals. The system is capable to count FISH signals for the quantification of amplifications and deletions of chromosomal loci. Co-localisations of differently labeled locus specific probes reflecting chromosome translocations, e. g. Philadelphia chromosome, can be automatically detected. Within 10 minutes 500 to 1000 cells can be analyzed. In one run MetaCyte can scan eight slides. During the scan high quality images of the cells are stored in a gallery. Once the scan has been completed each cell can be reviewed and relocated under the microscope with a simple mouse click.
Automated FISH signal analysis ideally complements the rare cell detection solution introduced earlier by MetaSystems. The combination of ultra-fast detection of rare immuno-labeled cells with automatic FISH analysis provides an unprecedented sensitivity and specificity in the assessment of isolated (metastatic) tumor cells in bone marrow and peripheral blood.
XCP Chromosome Painting Kits
Altlussheim, April 17th 2000.
For conventional chromosome painting MetaSystems is now offering a complete range of chromosome probes directly labeled with FITC or TexasRed®.
This new product serie of MetaSystems probe development is placed highly competitive in the market and will be distributed through the marketing channels which are used for the systems worldwide.
24XCyte Multicolor FISH Probe Kits
Altlussheim, April 3rd 1999.
MetaSystems started delivery of its mFISH DNA probe kit 24XCyte. The probe kit comprises a cocktail of 24 whole chromosome libraries each labelled with a unique combination of up to 5 fluorochromes. The probe kit allows the detection of chromosomal translocations involving any of the 24 different chromosomes based on a single hybridization experiments.
With 24XCyte MetaSystems now offers an integrated mFISH solution including both reagents and the Isis mFISH software which was demonstrated more than 2 years ago as the first commercial filter-based multi color analysis software.
MetaSystems officials said they are pleased to present the first commercial DNA probe kit developed and produced within the company’s recently established DNA probe department. They believe that the company took an important step in the direction of becoming a supplier of integrated solutions comprising DNA probes as well as imaging systems.
BMBF Fund for mBAND
Altlussheim, June 17th 1999.
MetaSystems has been granted research funds from BMBF (German ministery of education and research) for the development of MetaSystems' proprietary mBAND high resolution multi fluorochrome banding technique. The research project is being funded in the frame work of the "Bio Region Rhein Neckar Dreieck" program, an initiative to support innovations and start-ups in biotechnology in the Rhine-Neckar area.
MetaSystems' research project is entitled "Molecular genetic diagnostics by means of high resolution multi-spectral fluorescence in situ hybridization"; total funding will be close to one million DM over three years.
The mBAND technique is based on a special DNA probe set and color ratio analysis software to generate a high resolution chromosome banding pattern that allows the detection of intra-chromosomal rearrangements like deletions and inversions. The ratio analysis effectively multiplies the resolution of the probe kit by a factor of 4. The resolution of the banding pattern does not depend on chromosome condensation.
MetaSystems believes that the mBAND technique has a great potential particularly in tumor genetics. mBAND ideally complements the company's mFISH solution for the analysis of inter-chromosomal rearrangements. It will further strengthen MetaSystems' position as a main innovator in cytogenetic imaging.
New CometImager Comet Assay System
Altlussheim, June 3rd 1999.
The new Comet Imager from MetaSystems was presented at the ‚Comet Assay Workshop‘ which took place in Smolenice, Slovakia. The Comet assay which is also referred to as ‚single cell gel electrophoresis‘ has become a widely accepted technique to monitor damage of chromosomal DNA by radiation or hazardous chemical compounds. Cells which have been subjected to genotoxic treatment are spread on microscopic slides and immobilized. After cell lysis and alkaline treatment the DNA is size-fractionated by in situ gel electrophoresis. Subsequently, the DNA is visualized with appropriate fluorescent dyes. While nuclei of undamaged cells still show the normal round appearance, damaged DNA migrates out of the nuclei during electrophoresis and forms the typical comet-shaped tail. A number of geometric and densitometric parameters are used as indicators for the degree of DNA damage.
The Comet Imager combines powerful measurement and analysis functions with a very user-friendly interface: capturing comet images has never been so easy. The Comet Imager is available as a complete system, as a kit encompassing software, camera and frame-grabber, and as a software module, which can be seamlessly integrated into MetaSystems Isis in-situ fluorescence imaging software.
Announcing the Metafer RCDetect Rare Cell Detection System
Altlussheim, June 2nd, 1999.
At the ISHAGE99 (International Society of Hematotherapy and Graft Engineering) conference which took place in Oslo from May 29 to June 1st MetaSystems introduced the new Windows NT-based Metafer RCDetect (Rare Cell Detection) system. RCDetect scans microscope slides to detect rare metastatic tumor cells (micrometastases) in bone marrow or peripheral blood preparations.
Micrometastases are tumor cells disseminated from the primary tumor into the blood stream. They can be detected in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. Their occurence rate is the prime indicator for the stage of disease as well as for the success of therapy. However, due to the low frequency (down to one tumor cell in a million normal cells or even less) their quantitative detection has been extremely difficult and error-prone.
RCDetect was developed in a collaboration with the group of Dr. Peter Ambros of St. Anna Children’s Hospital in Vienna, Austria. RCDetect is based on fluorescent tumor-specific antibody labelling and an automated scanning system to detect rare immuno-positive tumor cells. In a first step, the slide containing approximately one million cells is scanned to locate the labelled tumor cells. In a second step, an additional assay like fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) is performed. Previously located tumor cells can be automatically relocated to compare the FISH result (genotype) to the immuno-phenotypic finding in order to avoid false positive results due to non-specific antibody binding. In addition, RCDetect is the first system that scores the total number of cells during the scan, thus providing quantitative occurence rates of tumor cells.
At the above mentioned conference Dr. Peter Ambros and Dr. Gabor Mehes, both of St. Anna Children’s Hospital, reported their very promising results of neuroblastoma and breast cancer samples. Their experiences indicate that the detection limit of RCDetect is only limited by the number of tumor cells present in the sample.
