CaridianBCT Launches Mononuclear Cell Collection Protocol

LAKEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CaridianBCT, a leading global provider of technology, products and services in therapeutic systems, automated blood collections, whole blood processes and pathogen reduction technologies, announced today that the Spectra Optia^® system Mononuclear Cell (MNC) Collection protocol is now available for use in Europe, Australia, Africa and the Middle East.

The next generation in therapeutic apheresis and cell therapy collection devices, the Spectra Optia system is designed to enhance versatility, performance and patient care. The availability of the MNC protocol brings the value of efficiency, purity and consistency to cell collections in order to benefit patients, clinicians and laboratory processes. The MNC protocol release follows the Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) protocol that CaridianBCT made available to Europe, Australia, Africa and the Middle East in April 2007, the United States in August 2007, and Canada in February 2008. CaridianBCT received a CE Mark on the MNC protocol in October 2008 based on the results of multi-site European clinical trials.

“As we continue to make advances in therapeutic apheresis and cell therapy with the Spectra Optia system, CaridianBCT strives to provide patients with the best in quality care, including comfort and safety,” said CaridianBCT Senior Vice President of Therapeutic Systems Tom Jordan. “The latest protocol release for the Spectra Optia system ensures confidence in the entire cell collection process, from the collection of the product, to transport and storage, to lab processing and thawing.”

“At CaridianBCT, we are passionate about advancing our technology, such as the Spectra Optia system and critical protocols, to continue to improve patients’ lives,” said CaridianBCT President and Chief Executive Officer David B. Perez. “The release of MNC protocol is the next step in our mission to offer our customers enhanced technology and precision along with ease of use.”

The MNC protocol release is currently available in English for use in Europe, Australia, Africa and the Middle East, with software translations in Italian, Dutch, German and Spanish available soon. The MNC protocol is currently not available for sale in the United States or Canada.

About Spectra Optia Apheresis System:

Based on COBE^® Spectra technology and the Trima Accel^® platform, the Spectra Optia system is a transportable therapeutic apheresis system that uses centrifugation and optical detection technology (automated interface management or the AIM system). The Spectra Optia system, disposable sets, and software have received a CE Mark and 501K clearance for the TPE protocol, and a CE Mark for the MNC protocol. The MNC protocol is not available for sale in the United States or Canada at this time.

About CaridianBCT:

CaridianBCT, Inc. improves lives through innovation, quality and services delivered by its people, products and processes in blood component technology. It is a leading global provider of technology, products and services in automated blood collections, pathogen reduction technologies, therapeutic systems and whole blood processes—serving blood banks, hospitals and clinical and biotech research facilities. Headquartered in Lakewood, CO, the company has global operations in 32 countries and employs approximately 2500 people. For more information, visit www.caridianbct.com.