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CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Meridian Bioscience, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio (NASDAQ: VIVO) today announced that it has received FDA clearance for a new molecular diagnostic test for Mycoplasma pneumonia (M. pneumoniae), its fourth assay on the illumigene platform. This innovative test that aids in identifying an important respiratory pathogen is a strong addition to the illumigene platform.
Often referred to as “walking pneumonia”, M. pneumoniae has been associated with up to 40% of community-acquired pneumonias. Infection occurs in both children and adults without geographical, gender or climate-related restrictions. M. pneumoniae is most often associated with atypical pneumonia, presenting with symptoms that include headache, malaise, myalgias, fever, and sore throat accompanied by dry, paroxysmal cough. An estimated 2 million cases of M. pneumoniae infection occur annually with approximately 100,000 pneumonia-related hospitalizations in the United States each year. An estimated 18% of M. pneumoniae cases in children require hospitalization.
illumigene Mycoplasma, by amplifying the specific DNA for the detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, represents a significant advancement in improving healthcare diagnoses and outcomes by providing a definitive result, thus helping to ensure that patients receive the appropriate antibiotic therapy in a timely manner. M. pneumoniae bacterial culture lacks sensitivity and is often impractical for patient management as the organism may take as long as up to six weeks to culture.
The illumigene Mycoplasma test is the fourth assay on the illumigene platform and utilizes both throat and nasopharyngeal swab samples. The test procedure is remarkably simple and highly sensitive, allowing the flexibility of multiple specimen types. It requires no expensive capital equipment. The test relies upon a simple procedure that takes less than one hour. The simplicity of this technology, along with its cost efficiency and small footprint, makes this innovative test ideal for enabling a more rapid diagnosis; providing earlier identification of outbreaks and prevention of secondary cases though implementation of control measures.
“Up to 40% of community-acquired pneumonia is caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae and due to rising rates of M. pneumoniae resistance to the macrolides commonly prescribed, the more rapid and accurate result that the illumigene Mycoplasma assay provides will allow for better patient care and safety,” stated Dr. Paul Lephart, Associate Technical Director of Microbiology, Detroit Medical Center University Laboratories.
John A. Kraeutler, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “As a significant cause of community-acquired pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae is under-diagnosed and under-reported. With illumigene Mycoplasma, laboratories can offer healthcare providers fast, accurate information so that patients may receive a definitive diagnosis and rapid, appropriate antibiotic therapy. Meridian is dedicated to the development of rapid, simple, cost effective diagnostic tests and technologies that aid in the reduction of overall healthcare costs. illumigene Mycoplasma will be available for delivery to our customers by month end.”
Meridian is a fully integrated life science company that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes a broad range of innovative diagnostic test kits, purified reagents and related products and offers biopharmaceutical enabling technologies. Utilizing a variety of methods, these products and diagnostic tests provide accuracy, simplicity and speed in the early diagnosis and treatment of common medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal, viral and respiratory infections. Meridian’s diagnostic products are used outside of the human body and require little or no special equipment. The Company’s products are designed to enhance patient well-being while reducing the total outcome costs of healthcare. Meridian has strong market positions in the areas of gastrointestinal and upper respiratory infections, serology, parasitology and fungal disease diagnosis. In addition, Meridian is a supplier of rare reagents, specialty biologicals and related technologies used by biopharmaceutical companies engaged in research for new drugs and vaccines. The Company markets its products and technologies to hospitals, reference laboratories, research centers, diagnostics manufacturers and biotech companies in more than 60 countries around the world. The Company’s shares are traded on NASDAQ’s Global Select Market, symbol VIVO. Meridian’s website address is www.meridianbioscience.com.
Contacts
Meridian Bioscience, Inc.
John A. Kraeutler, Chief Executive Officer, 513-271-3700
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