UPPSALA, Sweden, March 29 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Olink Holding AB (publ) (Nasdaq: OLK) today announced that the regional proteomic facility, D-CYPHR in Cape Town, South Africa has adopted Olink technology and has become the first service provider using the Olink® Target and Olink® Flex platforms for targeted protein biomarker discovery on the African continent.
D-CYPHR is a new facility co-founded by the Centre for Proteomic and Genomic Research (CPGR) and the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) under the DIPLOMICS network programme, an initiative by the South African Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). D-CYPHR enables access to proteomics and metabolomics platforms and knowledge, supporting complex clinical and biological research not possible elsewhere in this region.
“One of the objectives of the DIPLOMICS programme is to enable and improve access to cutting-edge ‘omics technologies and expertise. Through the D-CYPHR laboratory, we are excited about the introduction of the Olink technology, which will dramatically improve the quality and throughput of advanced proteomics research in South Africa.” said Dr Tim Newman, Program Manager for DIPLOMICS.
Among the first projects to benefit from Olink technology will be those directed toward COVID-19 and tuberculosis research. The Olink panels for targeted protein biomarker discovery enable faster, better-informed decisions in human protein biomarker research by providing high-multiplex immunoassays benefits without compromising data quality or performance.
“The ability to quantify large panels of secreted and cell surface antigens in clinical samples from tuberculosis patients using high throughput, multiplexed Olink assays will enable new insights into immunopathogenesis in this important infectious disease”, commented Professor Jonathan Blackburn, Deputy Director of the IDM.
“This is an exciting opportunity to expand meaningful analysis of changes in proteomic profiles and their associated impacts. These analyses will help elucidate mechanisms underlying how different diseases impact patients with differing degrees of severity. This has tremendous implications for conditions that impact people of African descent. Ultimately, our work using samples from African populations, has the potential to significantly improve health outcomes in Africa. We are thrilled to provide our clients with access to this platform and consequently important answers to some of their key research questions and hope to expand this service to the Olink® Explore platform in the future.” said Dr Liam Bell, Manager of the D-CYPHR proteomic facility.
“Olink is immensely proud to see our technology contributing to the outstanding research efforts in South Africa. We know that our technology will further stimulate the development of groundbreaking science, enhancing the well-being of people around the world,” said Jon Heimer, CEO of Olink. “This is an exciting first step in what I’m confident will be a fruitful and collaborative journey.”