Originally Published IVD Technology January 2006
INDUSTRY NEWS
NotableBeckman Coulter Inc. (Fullerton, CA) has acquired the stock of Diagnostic Systems Laboratories Corp. (DSL; Webster, TX), a provider of immunoassays for reproductive endocrinology and cardiovascular risk assessment. DSL markets three tests, including Inhibin A and B, and anti-Mullerian hormone, and holds the rights to PAPP-A, a marker being evaluated for cardiovascular risk assessment.
A statement made by Merck and Company, Inc. (Whitehouse Station, NJ), president and CEO Richard Clark has raised speculation that the pharmaceutical giant might have medical device and diagnostic ambitions as well. Speaking to a group of analysts in October, Clark noted that the company was considering branching out into the fields to offset declining earnings.
Merck spokesperson Amy Rose said that since Clark took over as head of Merck in May, he has been evaluating a number of options. However, she stressed that Clark’s comments were part of a broader conversation on the future of the company and the larger pharmaceutical industry. She said that Clark would lay out a more detailed plan of the company’s strategy at an annual investor briefing, which was scheduled to be held on December 15.
Merck recorded $22.9 billion in sales for 2004. In September 2004, the company withdrew its arthritis and acute-pain medication Vioxx from the market after studies linked the use of the drug to high risk of heart problems. In 2003, Vioxx accounted for $2.5 billion in sales.
In a paper published in the journal Nature, the International HapMap Consortium has described the completion of its Phase I HapMap, a chart of more than 1 million markers of genetic variation, or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). By pinpointing SNP patterns of people with diseases, researchers may be able to better diagnose a host of ailments, including diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, schizophrenia, asthma, hypertension, and heart disease. In addition, identifying an individual’s genetic variations can help doctors prescribe effective drugs and tailor doses to a particular patient.
Launched in October 2002, the International HapMap Consortium is a collaboration of scientists and organizations from Japan, the UK, Canada, China, Nigeria, and the United States. The consortium is currently completing a Phase II HapMap, which will add 2.1 million additional SNPs to its research. Data from the HapMap project can be accessed via the Internet at www.hapmap.org.
Brady Corp. (Milwaukee), a manufacturer of die-cutting materials, labels, and other identification products, has purchased TruMed Technologies Inc. (Minneapolis). TruMed was founded in 1994 and is a custom converter of disposable products and components for OEM manufacturers. “The acquisition of TruMed increases our presence in the healthcare market, particularly accelerating our growth in medical converting,” said Scott Hoffman, vice president, global die-cut operations, at Brady.
President George W. Bush and the U.S. Department of Commerce have named Gen-Probe Inc. (San Diego) a 2004 National Medal of Technology laureate, the nation’s highest honor for technological innovation. The company was recognized for its development of blood-testing technologies and systems for the direct detection of viral diseases. Five companies and two individuals received the 2004 medal.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award for innovation in protecting the donated blood supply,” said Henry L. Nordhoff, chairman, president, and CEO of Gen-Probe. “I would like to thank the hundreds of Gen-Probe employees whose talents, expertise, and extraordinary efforts made this recognition possible.”
The National Medal of Technology was established by Congress in 1980 and first awarded in 1985 to “recognize those who have made lasting contributions to America’s competitiveness, standard of living, and quality of life through technological innovation.”
As part of a corporate restructuring, Adhesives Research Inc. (Glen Rock, PA) has announced the launch of four integrated divisions: ARcare, ARmark Authentication Technologies, ARclad, and ARx. ARcare will focus on the company’s tape, adhesive, film, and laminate business for the pharmaceutical, medical, electronics, and specialty industrial markets. ARmark, a new venture, will develop technical solutions for product surety and authentication challenges. ARclad will focus on products for the company’s customers in the construction, pulp and paper, and transportation markets. ARx will manufacture active adhesive laminates and dissolvable films for the drug-delivery sector.
Adhesives Research operates manufacturing facilities in Ireland, Australia, and Columbia. It has more than 500 employees and $140 million in global sales.
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