Study Group: Applied Biosystems' SOLiD System Users(?)

This is a major project that will change teh way we view genome analysis and personalized medicine. For the first time, we will have almost complete information on the DNA sequence of more than 1000 individuals. It will allow the development of methodologies to generate data and interpret genetic information. There...

* MRSA is a serious problem in the US, particularly with the increasing spread of community acquired strains (caMRSA). * Toxins produced by many caMRSA are rapidly lethal in populations who get soft-tissue infections or sepsis from these organisms (children, elderly). * Nosocomically-acquired MRSAs...

* Another HIV viral load assay in an increasingly crowded market. * Abbott has a reputation for recalls and recalcitrance in its diagnostics arena. 2007 has not been a good year for them. * Not clear this assay provides significant advantages over other assays recently obtaining FDA approval.

* New class of antibiotic with activity against MRSA that has been used in the US to treat sepsis and severe infections. * As or more expensive than other drug regimens for the patient populations indicated. * Resistance to daptomycin has been reported in MRSA and enterococci. * Has a role, but generally...

* Some interesting in vitro data regarding cidal/killing activity of oritavancin, another peptide antibiotic in the same class as vancomycin. * No significant animal models to date. * One study has shown some toxic effects on eukaryotic cells in vitro. * Remains to be determined if this antibiotic...