Clinical Data Obtains Exclusive Distribution Rights For Melet Schloesing Laboratoires' Line Of Hematology Analyzer And Reagents
Differential cell counting is used to diagnose such conditions as anemia, infections, allergic reactions and platelet disorders. Millions of such tests are performed daily in hospitals and doctors' offices worldwide. Clinical Data estimates the current U.S. market for hematology analyzers and related reagents to be over $670 million annually and over $1.7 billion globally. Applications for FDA clearance of the analyzers were submitted in December 2004 and approval is anticipated early next quarter. Product launch should occur shortly after clearance.
The proprietary analyzers and reagents, to be distributed in North America under the Clinical Data brand name, are fully-automated devices used to count red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, measure hemoglobin and calculate or measure several red cell indices, including erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. The analyzers perform a differential cell count by classifying the individual white cell components into subpopulations of lymphocytes, granulocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes through electronic sizing. The uniqueness of Melet Schloesing's proprietary technology is that it allows a 5-part differential cell count to be measured for essentially the same cost as conventional 3-part differential analyzers in use today.
Israel M. Stein MD, President and CEO of Clinical Data commented, "We are very pleased to be partnering with Melet Schloesing Laboratories. These analyzers represent a technological break-through in offering complete analysis of the five important cellular blood components at a dramatically lower cost than conventional five (5) part analyzers. These products, which are ideal for physician office laboratories and the hospital market, significantly expand our product line. The reagents, which will be produced at our existing facility, represent an exciting recurring and compounding revenue opportunity for Clinical Data."
Francois Melet, Founder and President of Melet Schloesing Laboratoires International, S.A. stated, "We are very proud that Clinical Data has selected our technology as state-of-the art in the field of hematology. Their evaluation demonstrated the breadth of our product offering, the uniqueness of our technology, and the marked competitive advantages. The synergy to be derived by offering Hematology and Clinical Chemistry systems to the medical laboratory market and the expertise of Clinical Data assures the likelihood of success of this collaborative venture."
Source: Clinical Data, Inc.