Biohit Oyj Press Release September 2, 2016 at 03:00 pm local time (EEST)
Biohit Oyj and Glomedics have signed an agreement for the distribution of the Biohit Lactose Intolerance Quick Test in South Korea.
Lactose Intolerance Quick Test (LIQT) developed by Biohit allows the diagnosis of lactose intolerance from biopsy specimen. Lactose intolerance refers to the inability to digest lactose, the sugar present in milk. A normal small intestine produces lactase enzyme that catalyses hydrolysis of lactose into glucose and galactose for normal digestion. In people with lactase deficiency, undigested lactose causes gastrointestinal problems, e.g. abdominal bloating and cramps, flatulence, diarrhoea, nausea, or vomiting.
In endoscopy-referred patients, a biopsy from the upper part of the small intestine can be taken simultaneously for lactose intolerance testing. Biohit LIQT detects in 20 minutes, whether or not the lactase enzyme is present in the biopsy specimen. Biohit LIQT has been shown to have a superior sensitivity compared to competing methods, such as the hydrogen breath test (HBT)*.
CEO C.G. Chung., Glomedics: ‘It is our honour to be partner with Biohit Oyj and to distribute Lactose Intolerance Quick Test that is more unique, convenient and accurate than other diagnostic tests. I am confident of the Lactose Intolerance Quick Test and sure that it will be the gold standard and routine test for patients with suspected lactose intolerance in Korea. We have started the registration in Korea required to obtain the marketing authorisation for the test.’
CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj: ‘In Korea there is a promising market for the Lactose Intolerance Quick Test. It is estimated that 90% of Asians suffer from lactose intolerance, which, however, frequently remains undiagnosed and untreated for years.'
*Ojetti V, La Mura R et al., Dig Dis Sci 2008; 53(6): 1589-92
Additional information:
CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj
tel. +358 9 773 861
investor.relations@biohit.fi
www.biohithealthcare.com
Biohit in brief
Biohit Oyj is a globally operating Finnish biotechnology company. Biohit mission is “Innovating for Health” – we produce innovative products and services to promote research and early diagnosis. Biohit is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, and has subsidiaries in Italy and the UK. Biohit Series B share (BIOBV) is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki in the Small cap/Healthcare group. www.biohithealthcare.com www.biohithealthcare.com/additional-information
Glomedics in brief
Glomedics is a diagnostic company headquartered in Goyang, Korea. Glomedics has a long-term and experienced sales network in gastrointestinal diagnostics market. The company has distributed functional disease diagnostics products for 20 years in Korea. Glomedics has sound and long-term relationships with most of the Korean University Hospitals.