"In January 2010, Philips and bioMérieux began collaborating to jointly develop fully automated handheld diagnostic testing solutions for hospital use that can be deployed at the point-of-care – i.e. close to the patient. Given the challenges encountered in developing Troponin solutions delivering performance comparable to central laboratory analyzers, both partners have signed an addendum to the original agreement. It provides that Philips will separately pursue development of the Troponin assay and system. bioMérieux will discontinue its own assay development during this development period, but provide an undisclosed level of funding toward the development. In addition, this addendum maintains bioMérieux’s rights to re-engage on a non-exclusive basis, until March 31, 2014."
"..our partner has restricted our activities to one part of the system for the present study"
Answer: Troponin.
It is clear that ADO has already fixed the problem that BioM could not. And so sensitivity remains the only hurdle. Well not really as we all remember the infamous slide showing sensitivity comparisons. It is a foregone conclusion that ADO improves sensitivity.
These previous results which have fixed issues with "stability and reproducibility" have led to the signing of the addendum which was made by the commercial guys at the top of Philips.
Geoff has mentioned that they have the scientists on board but commercially it has been difficult. It is because ADO's technology is removing the necessity role of BioM in many respects. The commercial guys at the top would be under pressure from BioM to protect their relationship in respect of the non-troponin component of the device. No doubt BioM would be restricting the info that Philips can share with ADO in order to protect their position.
Come March a decision will be made re: troponin. The signs are there that ADO will be part of that assay.
ADO Price at posting:
16.0¢ Sentiment: None Disclosure: Held
