Auckland-based biotechnology company Pictor Limited has been developing an accurate, affordable multiplexed diagnostic
test for Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) – also known as Johne’s disease – that could save the New Zealand
dairy industry upwards of $80 million a year in lost production.
“The PictArray™ MAP assay would be a positive addition to national control programmes to help in the eradication of
Johne’s disease from the dairy industry,” says Pictor’s Director of Research and Development, Dr. Natasha Gordon, who
will be presenting at a Johne’s disease conference this week in Dublin, Ireland.
The PictArray multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technology allows multiple biomarkers to be tested in
a single well. This feature increases the information gained by the clinical testing laboratory, enabling improved
disease management on the farm. Conventional ELISA takes a snapshot of a disease at one moment in time, while the
PictArray multiplex allows complex diseases to be monitored through different stages of infection using biomarkers that
present at different time points during the infection cycle, including asymptomatic stages. Earlier detection of Johne’s
disease would allow infected animals to be removed from herds sooner, minimising transmission.
“Our PictArray MAP assay could facilitate improved biosecurity, and support trade, because tests can be performed
quickly and accurately when importing, exporting or moving livestock and associated products between local locations,
resulting in safe transportation without the risk of spreading infection,” says Gordon.
The research project is led by Pictor in a collaboration with Dr Rao Dukkipati, senior lecturer at Massey University,
and builds on long-term research at Massey University by Associate Professor Alan Murray. Pictor received a $404,040
grant from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund to develop the test and Pictor
has filed a PCT application for this multiplexed assay.
About Pictor
Pictor is an in vitro diagnostics company that offers a patented multiplexed platform for highly accurate and efficient
testing of complex and infectious diseases for human and animal health. PictArray™ multiplexed technology makes it
possible to test multiple disease markers in a single test simultaneously — with higher sensitivity, faster throughput,
and reduced turn-around time. The company’s lead product, PictArray™ SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA Kit, enables more informed
clinical intervention to manage the threat of COVID-19. For more information, please visit www.pictordx.com,
www.linkedin.com/company/pictorltd, and @PictorLtd on Twitter.