MRSA Test Launched in the US

Implications: Methicillin resistant staph aureous (MRSA) is responsible for approximately 19,000 deaths per year in the US.  Bio-Rad (AMEX: BIO) recently announced the introduction of its MRSASelect(tm) to identify methicillin resistant staph aureous (MRSA).  MRSA is an infectious bacteria resistant to conventional antibiotic therapies and  according to leading experts, costs US hospitals on average of $35,000 per incidence.

Analysis: Methicillin resistant staph aureous (MRSA) is an infectious bacterial strain that is resistant to conventional antibiotic therapies. It has been reported to cause 94,000 hopitalized infections and approximately 19,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2005.  Most of these infections are acquired while the patient was in the hospital. Several states, including Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, are beginning to mandate screening for MRSA in hospitals and more states have enacted MRSA surveillance programs.

Bio-Rad (AMEX: BIO) recently announced the introduction of a new MRSASelect test.   MRSA bacteria are grown on color-based media in the laboratory and can be differentiated from other microorganisms. One major advantage of the MRSASelect test over conventional, older MRSA detection technologies is that results are available within 24 hours.

Other companies such as BD (NYSE: BDX) and Cepheid (NASDAQ: CHPD) offer rapid, automated molecular diagnostic assays to detect MRSA.

Detailed information on the $1 billion dollar plus MRSA market, growth rates and competitors are available.  Please contact your Gerson Lehrman Group representative to schedule an individual consult.