Latest news with #EuropeanSocietyofClinicalMicrobiologyandInfectiousDiseases
Cision Canada
02-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Seegene's CURECA(TM) Emerges as a Potential Game Changer in End-to-End PCR Automation
Seegene previews a concept video of CURECA TM at ESCMID Global 2025, ahead of its anticipated debut in July With a fully modular design, CURECA TM introduces a bold vision for automating pre-treatment across diverse PCR specimen types Developed for future integration into unattended workflows and adaptable laboratory settings SEOUL, South Korea, May 2, 2025 /CNW/ -- Seegene Inc., a global leader in molecular diagnostics (MDx) solutions, has attracted strong interest after the company presented a conceptual video of its CURECA TM at the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID Global 2025) in Vienna, Austria. Industry professionals recognized CURECA TM as a promising advancement in automating the entire PCR diagnostic workflow — from primary sample handling to result analysis. In response to the interest received, Seegene provided additional opportunities to showcase the solution at the ESCMID Global 2025. More than 2,300 attendees — including dignitaries from Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and Canada — visited Seegene's booth to view the conceptual video introducing the CURECA TM. "It was evident that the Seegene booth attracted considerable attention at ESCMID," said one professional from academia. Experts Recognize CURECA TM as a Game Changer in Molecular Testing Automation The CURECA TM is designed to automate the entire PCR diagnostic process. It can handle various specimen types required in the pre-treatment stage in MDx – such as stool, urine, blood, and sputum—as well as perform the complete PCR testing workflow following sample loading. The following are select comments from industry professionals who previewed Seegene's CURECA TM at ESCMID Global 2025: "I hold high expectations for the fully automated PCR molecular diagnostics, as CURECA TM not only eliminates human error inherent in manual processes but also enables efficient testing without time or workforce constraints." "We often encounter specimen types that require careful and time-consuming manual pre-processing. A system that can automate this step could represent a true paradigm shift. This level of automation is transformative – a real game changer – and unlike any existing solution. I eagerly await its launch." "If paired with our in-house diagnostic tool kits, CURECA TM could offer a complete synergy. I hope CURECA TM will be accessible to small and mid-sized facilities." "I'm planning to attend ADLM 2025 in Chicago in July to see the actual device and explore potential collaborations." Customizable Pre-Treatment System Offers Versatility for Future Laboratory Automation The first component of CURECA TM is the Customizable Pre-treatment System (CPS). The CPS is designed to automate the loading of primary sample tubes and operate pre-treatment processing. "The CPS is a modular, automated system intended to streamline pre-treatment processing across diverse diagnostic fields including molecular diagnostics such as PCR, as well as clinical chemistry and immunology assays," said Young-Seag Baeg, Head of Strategy and Planning at Seegene. Numerous healthcare (or laboratory) professionals at ESCMID Global 2025 noted that the conceptual video of CURECA TM showcased the potential of fully automated diagnostic laboratories capable of managing complex workflows associated with pre-treatment. In particular, there was consensus among participants that the CPS, which automates specimen preprocessing, is positioned to bring a significant advancement in in vitro diagnostics as it addresses limitations associated with existing manual procedures that are dependent on trained laboratory professionals. "The turnaround time (TAT) is expected to improve with CURECA TM as the integrated software is capable of adjusting workflows based on reporting deadlines," said a director of a laboratory in Spain. "In particular, for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the CPS will markedly enhance daily laboratory operations. The processing of specimens for STIs involves manual handling of multiple sample tubes, which contributes to operator fatigue. The adoption of the CPS has the potential to be transformational in streamlining routine operations." Modular and Configurable Solution Design for Tailored Diagnostics Following specimen preprocessing, molecular diagnostics typically involve nucleic acid extraction, PCR setup and amplification, and analysis of results. For specimens that do not need preprocessing, Seegene offers the Primary Sample Aliquot System (PAS) as an alternative to the CPS. PAS is designed to allow direct loading and dispensing of primary samples, helping to simplify the workflow. Seegene is pursuing the integration of PAS with a fully automated PCR process through a modular solution concept called CEFA (Customizable & Expandable Full Automation), intended to support diverse laboratory needs with greater flexibility. Seegene aims to leverage the modular architecture of CURECA TM to support a wide range of diagnostic applications. "CURECA TM can be deployed as a comprehensive system or as individual modules—CPS, PAS, and CEFA—configured independently or in combination to accommodate diverse operational needs," said Baeg. Optimizing Lab Workflows Through Space-Saving Design Another key advantage of the CURECA TM 's modular architecture is that it is designed to adapt to different laboratory spaces and layouts. Its flexible design is intended to allow labs to configure the system according to their specific needs, which Seegene sees as essential for enhancing operational efficiency. Laboratory professionals at ESCMID 2025 shared the following perspectives: "The ability to configure a system to meet specific spatial and operational needs of individual laboratories represents a novel and highly compelling approach." "We expect such flexibility will make it possible to implement workflows that deliver high-quality results with minimal reliance on standardized laboratory configurations and staffing resources." "The enthusiastic global response to our concept video and vision for CURECA TM demonstrate the strong demand for next-generation diagnostic solutions," said Jong-Yoon Chun, CEO of Seegene. "We believe CURECA TM has the potential to catalyze meaningful change in the global PCR diagnostics landscape." Please Note: The comments included in this press release are based on actual interviews and on-site discussions. However, in accordance with requests to protect the privacy of the individuals interviewed, all names have been pseudonimized. About Seegene Seegene has more than 20 years of dedicated experience in R&D, manufacturing, and business related to syndromic real-time PCR technologies. This expertise was particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when Seegene provided over 340 million COVID-19 tests to more than 100 countries worldwide. The core feature of Seegene's syndromic real-time PCR technology is the ability to simultaneously test for 14 pathogens that cause similar signs and symptoms in a single tube with quantitative information. Technology-sharing Initiative The technology-sharing initiative aims to globally share Seegene's advanced diagnostic and data analysis technologies, including syndromic real-time PCR and an automated product development system (SGDDS), with a leading company partnered in each country. Partnering companies will collaborate with local scientists and experts to develop diagnostic tests tailored to the needs of their communities and fields, spanning a wide range of human and non-human diseases. The initiative's ultimate vision is to create "a world free from diseases"—a future where people no longer suffer from infectious diseases and cancer, and where animals and plants thrive without illness. SOURCE Seegene Inc.
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Africa: Urgent steps needed to address low uptake amid rising hesitancy
HPV is fuelling high cervical cancer rates in sub-Saharan Africa despite the availability of effective vaccines. Yet uptake remains low, driven largely by vaccine hesitancy. In South Africa alone, most participants (71%) were hesitant to receive at least one of the vacines in the country, according to the Vaccine Confidence Report by MSD ( and Prof. Hannelie Meyer, Head of the South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre. [1] The report was launched at the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and during the SSA HPV Media Roundtable held during World and Africa Immunisation Week (24–30 April 2025). Cervical cancer, caused by persistent infection of HPV, is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 94% of global cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with sub-Saharan Africa heavily affected. [2] Studies indicate that, globally, about 12% of women with normal cervical cytology are found to have an HPV infection. This prevalence doubles to around 24% in sub-Saharan Africa. Young women under 25 are particularly vulnerable, with an HPV prevalence rate of 43.9% in Africa compared to the global rate of 19.2%. [3] A 2023 report indicated that cervical cancer ranks as the 13th most frequent cancer among women in Egypt and the 9th most frequent among women aged 15 to 44 years. [4] In Kigali, Rwanda, before the national HPV vaccination programme, 54% of women aged 19 years and younger were found to have received an HPV-positive result. [5] The high mortality rate in Ghana further demonstrates the burden, with approximately 3,000 women diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, resulting in around 2,000 deaths each year. [6] Vaccine hesitancy, defined as a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite their availability, remains a challenge in the fight against preventable diseases such as cervical cancer. Misinformation, cultural beliefs, and accessibility issues further compound the low uptake of HPV vaccines. As global health organisations and local health authorities strive to eliminate preventable diseases, understanding and addressing vaccine hesitancy has never been more urgent. [1] Understanding vaccine hesitancy The Vaccine Confidence Report highlights several drivers of HPV vaccine hesitancy, including safety concerns, mistrust in healthcare systems, and misinformation on social media. According to Prof. Meyer, despite clear scientific evidence, many still believe vaccines are harmful. [1] 'This reluctance is troubling,' she said, 'given the direct link between HPV and cervical cancer. Addressing these fears with credible information is vital to reducing the burden in sub-Saharan Africa.' An external study titled 'Vaccine Hesitancy and Trust in sub-Saharan Africa' published in Scientific Reports in May 2023 examined vaccination behaviours and attitudes across six sub-Saharan African countries: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. The study found that only about 10% of respondents reported receiving at least one HPV vaccination. Vaccine hesitancy rates varied across countries, with South Africa exhibiting the highest rate at 17.15% and Kenya the lowest at 8.3%. [7] Impact of misinformation, funding gaps and immunisation disruption Misinformation remains a major driver of vaccine hesitancy in Africa, especially through online platforms. It has shaped public attitudes and eroded trust in immunisation programmes. At the same time, shifting global priorities and economic pressures have led to reduced funding for vaccination efforts, limiting access in low-income communities. [8] 'Routine immunisation has saved millions of lives,' said Dr Alima Essoh, Regional Director of the Preventive Medicine Agency for Africa (AMP Africa). 'When misinformation and resource constraints disrupt these efforts, we risk undoing decades of progress.' Expanding HPV vaccination is critical to reducing cervical cancer, but it requires tackling misinformation head-on and improving access across the continent. Broader implications for public health While HPV vaccination remains a key focus, vaccine hesitancy extends to other preventable diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern by 2030, which includes ensuring that 90% of girls are fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15. [9] According to Prof Meyer, vaccine hesitancy threatens to derail this goal and broader efforts to achieve high immunisation rates for other preventable illnesses such as measles, polio, and influenza. Rethinking the fight against HPV-related cervical cancer: Community action and vaccine confidence Efforts to eliminate HPV and reduce HPV-related cervical cancer in Africa necessitate innovative, community-driven solutions. Dr Sabrina Kitaka, Senior Lecturer at Makerere University, states that engaging and accessible tools, such as comic books and school-based vaccination, have significantly enhanced vaccine uptake among young people. She adds that reminder systems, such as SMS and automated phone calls, help ensure adolescents complete the HPV vaccine schedule. If implemented on a large scale, these strategies could strengthen vaccine coverage across the region. She further states that, tackling vaccine hesitancy will require a coordinated approach involving governments, healthcare workers, civil society, and the private sector. This means improving health communication, building trust through local partnerships, and tailoring outreach to meet communities where they are. 'There is no time to waste,' says Prof. Meyer. 'We must work together to share accurate information, address concerns, and make vaccines truly accessible. Only then can we protect future generations from preventable diseases.' Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers in this document are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of MSD. References MSD South Africa., Meyer, JC. 2025. Vaccination Hesitancy Study. Accessed 07 April 2025 'Human papillomavirus and cancer', World Health Organization, 5 March 2024: High Burden of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection Among Young Women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa' PLOS One, 19 January 2016: Accessed 07 April 2025. 'Egypt HPV and Related Cancers, Fact sheet 2023, Accessed 2 April 2025. 'Human papillomavirus infection in Rwanda at the moment of implementation of a national HPV vaccination programme', National Library of Medicine, National Centre for Biotechnology Information, 24 May 2016: Accessed 07 April 2025. 'Human Papillomavirus and Related Diseases Report', HPV Information Centre, 10 March 2023: Accessed 07 April 2025. 'Vaccine hesitancy and trust in sub-Saharan Africa', Scientific Reports ( 13 May 2024: Accessed 10 April 2025. UNICEF, Global immunization coverage stalled in 2021, leaving millions of children unprotected – WHO and UNICEF, 2022: WHO. HPV&Cancer. Available at: Human papillomavirus and cancer ( Accessed: 07 April 2025 REPORT ANY SUSPECTED ADVERSE EVENTS OR PRODUCT QUALITY COMPLAINTS TO DPOC SOUTH AFRICA: Tel: +27 (0)11 655 3000.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
ESCMID Global 2025: The challenges of eliminating viral hepatitis
At the 35th European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Global conference in Vienna, Austria, held from April 11-15, the challenges of eliminating viral hepatitis were discussed. In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that aside from tuberculosis, viral hepatitis was the most common cause of mortality due to infectious diseases worldwide. Furthermore, despite a slow decrease in the global incidence of viral hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) in recent years, mortality due to these viruses has been increasing. In 2016, WHO launched the Global Health Sector Strategy, which aimed to end viral hepatitis by 2030, defining elimination as a 90% reduction in incidence and 65% reduction in mortality for HBV and HCV from 2015 to 2030. One challenge to achieving this goal is the proportion of undiagnosed individuals living with viral hepatitis. According to WHO, 254 million people globally were estimated to have HBV in 2022, but only approximately 10% had been diagnosed. Likewise, 50 million people globally were estimated to have HCV in 2022, but only approximately 30% had been diagnosed. One current strategy to closing this gap and providing patients with diagnoses and treatments is reflex testing, which is the automatic addition of testing based upon initial test results. With one patient-provided sample, reflex testing can provide complete data for diagnosis, staging, coinfection, and management strategies. For example, if a patient tests positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen, this sample could be reflexed and tested for hepatitis D virus (HDV) antibodies (anti-HDV). Furthermore, if the patient tests positive for anti-HDV, this sample could be reflexed and tested for HDV-RNA. Some advantages of reflex testing include the automatic addition of testing, the fact that active infections can be confirmed using one sample, the streamlining of the diagnostic process without needing additional patient visits, reduced diagnostic delays, increased linkage to care, improved patient outcomes, and enhanced efficiency in laboratory and clinical workflows. The advantages of reflex testing have also been evidenced in primary literature. In a retrospective 2023 study by Rohit Nathani and colleagues that was published in the Journal of Viral Hepatitis, over 11,000 HBV patients were studied for five years, and 12.9% of patients were subsequently screened for HDV infection. Researchers confirmed that 18% of the patients who were found to be positive for HDV would have been missed if the researchers had followed risk-based screening guidelines. Furthermore, the European Association for the Study of the Liver published Clinical Practice Guidelines on HDV in 2023 in which it recommended that all HBV patients should be screened for anti-HDV antibodies at least once, due to evidence that reflex testing of anti-HDV in HBV-positive patients resulted in a five-fold increase in HDV diagnoses. Overall, reflex testing can be useful for generating prevalence estimates and finding undiagnosed individuals. Another strategy to close the gap of undiagnosed individuals living with viral hepatitis is opt-out testing, which is a proactive screening system. This strategy was tested in London hospitals, in which any patient who entered the emergency department and had a blood draw was automatically tested for bloodborne viruses. In a two-year period (April 2022-March 2024), nearly 2,000 HBV infections, over 760 HCV infections, and almost 400 human immunodeficiency virus infections were newly diagnosed. Closing the gap of undiagnosed individuals is clinically important to link patients to the appropriate care, and also offers epidemiological importance to reduce the transmission of these infections. One particular challenge in eliminating viral hepatitis is reaching populations that may experience obstructions in accessing proper healthcare services. These 'hard-to-reach' populations include people who inject drugs, prisoners, immigrant communities, homeless individuals, individuals with mental health disorders, and racial and ethnic minorities. Particular strategies for reaching these populations can include integrating hepatitis care into existing healthcare, expanding access to screening and treatment, expanding harm reduction services, and addressing stigma and lack of awareness. Altogether, effective hepatitis management and elimination strategies require a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach involving the community and healthcare professionals. "ESCMID Global 2025: The challenges of eliminating viral hepatitis" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
The Guardian
14-04-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
New gonorrhoea treatment hailed as breakthrough in fight against drug resistance
Scientists have hailed a new antibiotic treatment for gonorrhoea, the first in three decades, which they said could help combat the global rise of drug-resistant infections. The sexually transmitted infection can result in serious complications if it is not treated promptly, especially for women, for whom it can lead to increased risks of ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Cases of drug-resistant gonorrhoea have increased rapidly in recent years, reducing the options for treatment. There is an urgent need for new treatments for gonorrhoea, with no new antibiotics found since the 1990s. Now a study has suggested that gepotidacin, an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections, could be used to fight the infection, ward off drug-resistant cases and improve patient experiences. The phase-three results of the randomised control trial were published in the Lancet journal and presented at the annual European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) conference in Vienna, Austria, on Monday. The trial was led by UK and US researchers and involved patients from the UK, US, Australia, Germany, Mexico and Spain In the study of 622 patients, researchers compared gepotidacin, taken as a pill, with the standard treatment of ceftriaxone, an injection, and azithromycin, a pill. They found the new pill to be as effective as the standard treatment at tackling the infection. Crucially, gepotidacin was effective against strains of the gonorrhoea bacteria that are resistant to existing antibiotics. There were no treatment-related severe or serious side-effects for those treated with either medication, the Lancet reported. The investigators said the new treatment could be an important tool in combatting the rise of gonorrhoea strains that are becoming resistant to the standard treatment. Additionally, treatment as a pill alone without the need for an injection would probably improve patient experiences and reduce the required healthcare resources. The authors said gepotidacin 'demonstrated non-inferiority to ceftriaxone plus azithromycin' and offered a 'novel oral treatment option for uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhoea'. They added: 'Gepotidacin is a novel oral antibacterial treatment with the potential to become an alternative option for the treatment of gonococcal infections.' The authors also cautioned that the study looked primarily at urogenital gonorrhoea and that most of the patients were white men. Therefore more research was needed to see the impact of the treatment on gonorrhoea of the rectum and throat, and in women, children, and patients of other ethnicities. Gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, with health officials previously warning it could be untreatable in the future. Last year officials in England issued a warning about a rise in super-strength cases. There were 85,000 cases of gonorrhoea diagnosed in England in 2023, the highest level since records began in 1918. The vast majority of cases can be treated. But there has been an increase in people diagnosed with strands that are resistant to ceftriaxone, the 'first line' antibiotic typically used to treat the infection. Most of those affected in England were in their 20s, heterosexual, and acquired the infection abroad, though some had no travel history, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. Global health leaders have previously warned that antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to humanity, with data showing it has become a leading cause of death worldwide and is killing about 3,500 people every day. More than 1.2 million – and potentially millions more – died in 2019 as a direct result of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, according to a comprehensive 2022 estimate of the global impact of antimicrobial resistance.
