Universal Biosensors

Universal Biosensors (ASX:UBI) develops and manufactures diagnostic test systems for point-of-care (POC) professional and home use – a market worth about $US15 billion and growing at ~10% annually. UBI’s core technology is a disposable, multi-layer test strip which uses a proprietary electrochemical sensor to rapidly, accurately and cost-effectively measure biomarkers in the blood. UBI has partnered with LifeScan, a division of Johnson and Johnson, to develop products for the self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) market. LifeScan is a global market leader with ~27% of the SMBG market, valued at about US$9 billion. OneTouch Verio was the first system launched by LifeScan using an electrochemical test strip developed by UBI. These systems enable rapid readings of blood glucose levels using a tiny drop of blood from a finger prick. OneTouch Verio is used by diabetics to better manage their condition and improve their quality of life. The OneTouch Verio product family is now being sold around the world. UBI is now deploying its technology for coagulation testing at the point-of-care. An emerging growth segment of the POC diagnostic market, coagulation testing is estimated to be worth about US$1 billion and growing at ~10% per year. In this market, UBI has partnered with Siemens, a world leader in diagnostics, to develop a range of novel handheld analyzers for POC coagulation testing in professional settings.