Merck collaborates with Solvias for new test for pyrogen detection

Science and technology company, Merck, has announced a collaboration with Swiss contract research and service provider, Solvias, for a new monocyte activation test (MAT) kit for pyrogen detection.

The new MAT kit test, PyroMAT System, has been co-developed by the companies and will form part of Merck’s pyrogen detection portfolio. It is a cell-line-based MAT kit and detects the full range of pyrogens in pharmaceutical materials and products.

“Our new PyroMAT System has many advantages over existing methods, which are often limited in the products and range of pyrogens that can be detected,” said Jean-Charles Wirth, head of the Applied Solutions business unit, Life Science, at Merck. “This system offers a high-quality, ready-to-use in vitromethod that does not require live animal testing and detects the broad spectrum of pyrogens.”

The new kit eliminates the laboratory work required to maintain the cell line, and the cells are qualified in terms of performance and shipment.

“We are pleased that our collaboration with Merck to distribute the cell-based test is now coming to fruition,” commented Karen Huebscher, CEO, Solvias. “The new PyroMAT System has significant potential through distinct advantages over current methods of testing for pyrogens. It produces results that are both reliable and reproducible, characteristics that are essential for quality assurance.”