Nerve testing devices maker NeuroMetrix (NURO) will preview its latest test, the NC-stat DPNCheck, at the ongoing Annual Meeting of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (“AACE”) in San Diego, California. The NC-stat DPNCheck test has been designed for evaluating systemic neuropathies such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (“DPN”). Visitors at the company’s booth at the AACE can learn about the product, view a live demonstration and inquire about trial.
DPN, a common and serious complication of diabetes, affects roughly 60%-70% of diabetics and may lead to foot ulcers and amputations. Currently, there is a lack of standardized tests for DPN at the point-of-care, triggering a large unmet need.
NC-stat DPNCheck is a modified version of NeuroMetrix’s popular NC-stat device for detecting DPN. This new point-of-care device is expected to help in the early detection, confirmation, and monitoring of DPN in a cost-effective manner, thereby, enabling the company to address the need for a widely available, standardized test for DPN. NeuroMetrix plans to market NC-stat DPNCheck in the second half of 2011.
NeuroMetrix focuses on the development and marketing of devices that help physicians detect and treat diseases and peripheral nerve injuries, and offer regional anesthesia and pain control. The company’s principal products are ADVANCE and NC-stat devices for nerve conduction study (“NCS”). NeuroMetrix competes with Medtronic (MDT) among others.
NCS is considered as gold standard for the diagnosis of DPN. However, higher cost and limited access have prevented its wide-spread adoption. Studies conducted using ADVANCE and NC-stat declined 12.5% sequentially in the most recently reported quarter.
NeuroMetrix, in January 2011, modified its operational focus in favor of diabetes, in particular the diagnosis and monitoring of DPN. The company has restructured this business to provide product support for its live installed base, reduce costs and optimize cash flow.
NeuroMetrix recently established a scientific advisory board for its new DPN test. The board consists of eminent international experts who will work closely with the company for improving detection, monitoring and management of DPN.
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