TetraQ, the integrated preclinical contract research provider based at UQ, has become the first organisation of its kind in Australia with the accreditation to provide ELISA testing services to Australian and international biopharmaceutical organisations.
TetraQ has obtained an official extension to the scope of its ISO 17025 (R&D) accreditation from the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) after satisfying rigorous internationally-benchmarked criteria. This means the TetraQ ADME laboratory will be able to provide an accredited ELISA analytical service internationally to clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) tests are used to measure concentrations of substances such as hormones, cytokines, bacterial antigens and antibodies, with a high degree of sensitivity and accuracy. ELISA tests play a major role in the development of vaccines and drug therapies for the treatment of inflammation, allergies and viral diseases.
The TetraQ ADME laboratory uses state-of-the-art equipment and methods, which meet stringent quality and testing levels, to measure drugs and their breakdown products in biological samples to high levels of accuracy and precision. This new level of accreditation enhances TetraQ’s already strong track record for excellence and reliability in preclinical contract research and development services.
According to TetraQ Executive Director, Professor Maree Smith, TetraQ’s extended accreditation will allow ELISA assays to be developed and conducted locally to extremely high standards rather than being sent off-shore.
“For our clients, this represents valuable savings in terms of time, cost and convenience. TetraQ clients can be assured of uncompromised testing quality in a more efficient time frame,” Professor Smith said.
“We sought the extended accreditation to help meet the particular needs of our clients. Responding to clients’ needs is one of the factors making TetraQ the preferred contractor for the expanding biopharmaceutical industry in Australia.”
TetraQ Business Development Manager, Ms Rose-marie Pennisi, said the expansion of scope for TetraQ ADME was another great achievement for TetraQ and one that was accomplished in a very short time frame.
“The accreditation demonstrates our ability to work closely with clients and provide them with tailored solutions supported by the University’s leading edge resources,” Ms Pennisi said.
“This, in turn, provides a benefit to the wider community through a more expedient process for developing new drugs.”
TetraQ was established in 2005 and is the commercial arm of the Centre for Integrated Preclinical Drug Development at UQ. It is a registered business of UniQuest Pty Ltd, the main commercialisation company of The University of Queensland.
Media inquiries: Rose-Marie Pennisi, TetraQ (07 3346 7374, 0437 112 549), Leanne Wyvill, UniQuest (07 3365 4037, 0409 767 199).
.jpg)
