Verax PGD® test is the only FDA-cleared safety measure test to detect bacterial contamination in donated platelets in the United States; now helps platelet supplies remain viable for 7 days
MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Verax Biomedical today announced it has renewed its exclusive commercialization agreement with Fresenius Kabi USA (www.fresenius-kabi.us), continuing Verax’s leadership position in platelet safety for transfusion medicine.
“We are proud that Verax’s Platelet PGD® test is becoming the industry standard for the rapid detection of bacteria in platelets prior to transfusion, and we are also very proud to continue our relationship with Fresenius Kabi”
The agreement permits Fresenius Kabi USA to market, sell and distribute Verax’s unique PanGenera® Detection (PGD) test, a rapid in vitro diagnostic test used to detect bacterial contaminants in donated platelets. The Verax Platelet PGD® test is the only rapid test on the market cleared by the FDA for all commonly available U.S. platelet types. The FDA also now permits platelet supplies to be extended to seven (7) days, instead of the previously permitted five (5) days, for apheresis platelets in plasma that have been safety tested using the Verax PGD® test.
“We are proud that Verax’s Platelet PGD® test is becoming the industry standard for the rapid detection of bacteria in platelets prior to transfusion, and we are also very proud to continue our relationship with Fresenius Kabi,” said Verax Biomedical CEO Jim Lousararian. “Partnering with a leader like Fresenius Kabi is a critical component of our strategy to improve health care outcomes by reducing the risk of bacterial contamination in transfused platelets.”
“The Verax Platelet PGD® test plays an important role in patient safety,” said Dean Gregory, president, Medical Devices, Fresenius Kabi USA. “We are pleased to continue our relationship with Verax, and to bring this technology to our customers. We are committed to supporting improved safety in transfusion medicine.”
The Verax PGD® test, based on proprietary technology developed by Verax, consists of an easy-to-use disposable test device and reagents that work together to detect the presence of bacterial contaminants in platelets. The test can be performed in less than 30 minutes and is designed for use in hospitals, cancer centers and other sites of care as a safeguard prior to transfusion.
About Verax Biomedical
Verax Biomedical Incorporated is a leading developer of rapid tests for detecting bacterial contaminants in blood cells and tissue. The privately held company was founded in 1999. Its headquarters and laboratory facilities are in Marlborough, Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.veraxbiomedical.com.
RELATED LINKS
http://www.veraxbiomedical.com/products/7-day-platelet-dating.asp
Contacts
Verax Biomedical
Joe Sanders, 508-755-7029
SVP/Marketing & Business Development
JSanders@veraxbiomedical.com
