NORTHBROOK, Ill., March 12, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nanosphere, Inc. (Nasdaq:NSPH), a company enhancing medicine through targeted molecular diagnostics, offers the Verigene® Gram-Negative Blood Culture Test (BC-GN), approved by the FDA in June 2014 as the first and only FDA-cleared test that rapidly identifies the five carbapenem resistance genes most commonly associated with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Three recent outbreaks of CRE, also known as "superbugs," are shining light on the dangers associated with multi-drug-resistant infections.
Across three U.S. medical centers, the outbreaks led to two deaths and affected nearly 300 patients overall. While considered rare in the U.S., the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that 48 states have had confirmed cases of CRE infections.
"The recent outbreaks of CRE at multiple institutions in the U.S. illustrate the unfortunate spread and associated need for rapid and accurate diagnostics," said Michael McGarrity, Nanosphere's Chief Executive Officer. "Supported by the recent call to action by the CDC to advance antibiotic stewardship and use of diagnostic tests, Nanosphere stands uniquely positioned to address this critical healthcare challenge."
The Verigene® Gram-Negative Blood Culture Test (BC-GN) detects CRE days faster than current testing methods, which Nanosphere believes may enable clinicians to optimize treatment of patients.
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 CRE
CRE are a group of multi-drug-resistant bacteria sometimes referred to as "superbugs." They are especially difficult to treat because they have become resistant to a category of antibiotics that includes penicillin, amoxicillin and several other commonly used drugs. According to the CDC, mortality rates associated with CRE infections can be as high as 50%.
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.
Forward Looking Statements
Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are "forward-looking statements" and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) Nanosphere's ability to develop commercially viable products; (ii) Nanosphere's ability to achieve profitability; (iii) Nanosphere's ability to produce and market its products; (iv) Nanosphere's ability to obtain regulatory approval of its products; (v) Nanosphere's ability to protect its intellectual property; (vi) competition and alternative technologies; and (vii) Nanosphere's ability to obtain additional financing to support its operations. Additional risks are discussed in the Company's current filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
References
-
Superbug Linked to 2 Deaths at UCLA Hospital; 179 Potentially Exposed. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hospital-infections-20150218-story.html#page=1.
-
'Superbug' Infections Hit Another Los Angeles Hospital. ABC News. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/superbug-infections-hit-los-angeles-hospital-29403820
- Tracking CRE. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/cre/TrackingCRE.html