NORTHBROOK, Ill., June 22, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nanosphere, Inc. (Nasdaq:NSPH), a company enhancing medicine through targeted molecular diagnostics, today announced that seven studies evaluating the performance and clinical impact of select Verigene® multiplex infectious disease tests were presented at the 115th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology (asm2015), held last month in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Three of these studies highlighted the superior performance and broad antibiotic resistance coverage of the Verigene Gram-Negative Blood Culture Test (BC-GN). Researchers from the Detroit Medical Center, the University of Michigan Health System and the Michigan Department of Community Health presented data that demonstrated the ability of BC-GN to rapidly and accurately detect three different multi-drug resistance genes that cause carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), commonly referred to as "superbugs," in clinical samples. Researchers at Baylor University and med fusion described a 48-hour reduction in time to identification of gram-negative bacteria and resistance detection with BC-GN, which allowed for the optimization of antibiotic treatment for certain patients.
Antimicrobial resistance is an immediate and severe public health threat that has garnered the attention of world leaders, including President Barack Obama, who specifically acknowledged the critical importance of rapid diagnostic tests in his recent fiscal year 2016 budget proposal as part of a historic $1.2 billion investment to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Four additional studies presented at asm2015 highlighted the accuracy and utility of the Verigene Gram-Positive Blood Culture Test (BC-GP), Verigene Enteric Pathogens Test (EP), and the research-use only Verigene Respiratory Pathogens Flex Test (RP Flex).
Studies Presented at asm2015:
"Screening of Non-Blood Culture Isolates for Multi-Drug Resistance Using the Verigene System," P. Lephart, Detroit Medical Center University Laboratory. (Abstract)
"A Comparison of Three Multiplex Molecular Panels for the Detection of Gastrointestinal Pathogens," S. Ensinger, University of Virginia. (Abstract)
"Misidentification of a Bloodstream Klebsiella variicola Infection: An Investigation in Laboratory Diagnosis," N. Williams-Bouyer, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston. (Abstract)
"A Clinical Evaluation and Comparison of the BioFire FilmArray Respiratory Panel to the Nanosphere Verigene Respiratory Pathogens Flex Test," M. Chattman, Tufts Medical Center. (Abstract)
"Challenges of Antimicrobial Stewardship at a Community Hospital using Rapid Identification for Gram-Positive Bacteremia," M. Morgan, Cedars Sinai Medical Center. (Abstract)
"Performance and Clinical Uptake of Nanosphere Verigene Blood Culture Gram-Negative (BC-GN) Multiplex Molecular Assay," D. Grosser, Baylor University and med fusion. (Abstract)
"Detection of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) from Clinical Culture Isolates Using Verigene Gram-Negative Blood Culture Test (BC-GN) and BioFire FilmArray BCID," C. Young, University of Michigan Health System and the Michigan Department of Community Health. (Abstract)
About the Verigene® System
The Verigene System uses Nanosphere's core proprietary gold nanoparticle chemistry to offer highly sensitive, highly specific molecular diagnostic results through low-cost multiplexing. The Verigene System rapidly and accurately detects infectious pathogens and drug resistance markers by targeting conserved genetic regions of a bacterium or virus. Currently, the multiplexed Verigene assays target infections of the bloodstream, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. The information gathered from Verigene test results enables clinicians to make informed patient treatment decisions more quickly, which may result in improved patient outcomes, reduced costs, optimized antibiotic therapy, and reduced spread of antibiotic resistance.
About Nanosphere, Inc.
Nanosphere is enhancing medicine through targeted molecular diagnostics that result in earlier disease detection, optimal patient treatment and improved healthcare economics. The Company's versatile technology platform, the Verigene® System, enables clinicians to rapidly detect the most complex, costly and deadly infectious diseases through a low cost and simple-to-use multiplexed diagnostic test. The combination of this innovative technology and Nanosphere's customer-driven solutions keeps commitment to the patient at the forefront of its business. Nanosphere is based in Northbrook, IL. Additional information is available at http://www.nanosphere.us.