A CLX Majority-Owned Company
Zonda Incorporated is a developer and manufacturer of unique diagnostic tests for both the medical and non-medical markets. Zonda’s tests utilize proprietary technology that detects enzymes that are specific to the target microorganisms. The Zonda medical diagnostic tests are ideal for the clinical laboratory, point of care, and the over-the-counter (OTC) markets.
Zonda’s enzymatic detection technology will give the company a unique position in the clinical diagnostic market where there is increasing need for simple, reliable, and cost-effective rapid point of care diagnostic tests. Our first medical test for Chlamydia is expected to commence clinical testing in the US at the end of the first quarter 2008. We believe it will compete successfully with all current technologies, including the 'gold-standard' nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) technology while offering several enhanced features.
Chlamydia trachomatis infections are the most commonly-reported notifiable disease in the United States and comprise the largest proportion of all STDs reported to CDC (Center for Disease Control). In 2006 the reported number of Chlamydia cases for the first time exceeded 1 million and was almost three times the number of reported cases of Gonorrhea.
Chlamydia screening is recommended annually for all sexually active women 26 years of age and younger. An annual screening test also is recommended for older women with risk factors for Chlamydia (a new sex partner or multiple sex partners). All pregnant women should have a screening test for Chlamydia. There is currently no test available that addresses the accuracy, rapid results and cost-effectiveness required to meet these CDC screening guidelines.
Zonda expects to quickly follow its launch of the Chlamydia test with the launch of tests for Gonorrhea, Candida (Yeast), and Strep A, all of which will utilize the proprietary enzymatic technology.
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