Leading diagnostic test solutions provider Quidel Corporation (QDEL) has won the European CE Mark for its new virus test, representing another key milestone for the California-based company. The test dubbed the “Quidel Molecular hMPV Real-Time RT-PCR Assay” has been designed for the detection of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection.
Identified in 2001 by investigators from the Netherlands, hMPV is the second most common cause (after respiratory syncytial virus/RSV) of upper and lower respiratory infection in young children. Studies have shown that most children are exposed to hMPV infection by the age of five. The condition which manifests itself through symptoms such as cough, runny nose, nasal congestion and fever, affects roughly 7% of children who are hospitalized with respiratory infection.
The Quidel Molecular hMPV Assay is the company’s second molecular diagnostic test to be cleared for marketing in Europe. The approval follows the launch of Quidel’s first molecular diagnostic test for Influenza A+B in Europe on August 5.
Quidel noted that the European approval of the hMPV assay has opened the path for the launch of another molecular test in Europe well ahead of the respiratory disease season. The company’s rapidly expanding range of molecular diagnostics tests is expected to offer a number of important benefits to the end-users including increased ease of use and lower processing time.
Quidel develops and markets diagnostic solutions aimed at improving patient outcomes and offering economic benefits to the healthcare system. The company’s products are designed to detect and diagnose a host of critical diseases such as influenza, RSV, herpes and thyroid disease. Quidel competes with Alere Inc (ALR) among others.
Quidel’s revenues in second-quarter fiscal 2011 climbed 10% year over year to $27.5 million. The growth was largely driven by healthy customer demand for its Streptococcus A (“Strep A”) tests.
ALERE INC (ALR): Free Stock Analysis Report
QUIDEL CORP (QDEL): Free Stock Analysis Report
Get all Zacks Research Reports and be alerted to fast-breaking buy and sell opportunities every trading day.
Be the first to comment