Becton, Dickinson and Company BDX, commonly known as BD, recently announced that it is taking part in the White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship. The company also briefed on the various initiatives that it will take up in order to fight drug-resistant microbial organisms.
Per management, BD possesses a wide portfolio of products that effectively address identification and prevention of antimicrobial resistance.
BD has provided a rough outline of the multiple initiatives it plans to execute over the next five years to combat antibiotic-resistant microbes, thus popularizing antimicrobial stewardship.
The company seeks to develop a new diagnostic test which can promptly detect Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). CRE is a family of germs that are potentially difficult to treat owing to their high level of resistance to antibiotics.
The company intends to create a pandemic sentinel system, which will ensure rapid identification of CRE cases to facilitate quick intervention. BD will also set up antimicrobial susceptibility tests (AST) to optimize the use of all available antibiotics.
Apart from improving diagnosis and treatment procedures, BD looks to expand its existing electronic surveillance capabilities. The company will monitor and report emerging pathogens and antibiotic resistance trends to aid healthcare providers.
BD will operate electronic surveillance surrogate markers, such as the MedMined NIM, to identify possible healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and study the use of antibiotics. Additionally, the company will pursue research and development in skin antiseptics and needleless connectors to scale down the risk of HAIs.
We believe participation in the renowned White House forum will enhance BD’s prospects and support its efforts in the field of drug-resistant microbial prevention and treatment. The forum will ensure greater visibility and drive sales for the company’s existing solutions related to drug-resistant bacteria. Moreover, the multiple plans outlined will help boost the long-term prospects of the company.
According to estimates provided by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 23,000 deaths and 2 million illnesses occur annually in the U.S. due to drug-resistant bacteria.
Antibiotic resistance is also hazardous to animal health and agriculture, and can impact the entire economy. Products related to the treatment of drug-resistant microbial infections should witness increased demand. We believe BD, bolstered by a strong and expanding portfolio, is well positioned to capitalize on this growing health care need in the years ahead.
Zacks Rank
Currently, BD has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked medical stocks at the moment include AMN Healthcare Services AHS, Cancer Genetics CGIX and INC Research Holdings INCR. All three stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
Be the first to comment