The launch of Ariol 2.0 represents an advancement in cellular imaging technology. By combining the ability to conduct both immunohistochemisty and flourescence in situ hybridization analysis on the same system, Ariol 2.0 addresses the increasing need for quantitative analysis of multiple molecular biomarkers by clinicians and researchers.
The Ariol system includes a suite of applications that assist the pathologist and oncologist in their review of key breast cancer tests. The system is also designed to detect isolated cancer cells that may be found in bone marrow, lymph nodes and blood samples.
Carl Hull, Applied Imaging CEO, told DrugResearcher.com: "The release of Ariol 2.0 is part of our strategy to bring molecular analysis techniques onto one platform. Ariol 2.0 combines cellular and tissue-based gene and protein expression capabilities in one microscopic analysis system."
"There is a need and market for the quantitative and objective analysis of a number of targeted bio-marker assays that rely on semi-quantitative interepretation in the pharma development process and in the clinical laboratory. An example being the HER-2/neu gene or protein expression assays."
These new molecular analysis applications extend the tools available to customers ranging from pharma/biotech researchers to cancer research institutes to clinical pathology laboratories
Hull said Ariol was suitable for a variety of drug discovery applications including, high-throughput automated analysis of tissue microarray studies, quantitative protein and gene expression measurements in specific cellular compartments and pre-clinical and clinical assays to assess the efficacy of candidate compounds on known cellular targets.
Other applications include the detection of isolated cancer cells in lymph nodes; the quantification of cellular DNA content and the analysis of blood vessel growth in tumours (angiogenesis).
Hull added: "What is unique about this product is that it provides sophisticated morphometric measurement capabilities which, when combined with specific gene or protein assay results, allows these to be viewed in the morphological context of the cells or tissues being studied."
The system is available now with pricing dependent on the specific system configuration required by the end user.