Axis-Shield test 'is medical milestone'

AXIS-SHIELD, the Dundee-based medical diagnostics company, yesterday announced the launch of a new test to help in the early detection of rheumatoid arthritis.

Italian firm Technogenetics will be marketing the test – which uses Axis-Shield's technology to monitor antibodies to provide early warning of the condition – in Europe.

Chief executive Ian Gilham described it as an "important milestone" in the commercial development of the technology. Shares in the company rose by 0.5p to 269.5p.