Axis joins race to catch drug cheats

MEDICAL diagnostics group Axis-Shield has signed up with the US giant Abbott Laboratories to develop a test that could be used to catch athletes who use drugs.

Axis has been hired to develop a test for testosterone in human serum. The main uses for the test are to help detect abnormal secretion levels in women that lead to infertility, facial hair and other problems. But the test could also be used by athletics authorities to crack down on the use of illegal performance-enhancing substances, which boost production of the male sex hormone.

The deal is Axis-Shield's second tie-up with Abbott. It already produces a so-called homocysteine test, which helps detect potential cardiovascular problems in patients. Finance director Paul Garvey said that the latest deal was a coup because Abbott had come to Axis with the idea, underlining its role as a preferred business partner in invitro diagnostics.