In the U.S., bioMérieux Introduces New Lyme Disease Diagnostic Tests

Durham, NC (June 23, 2015) – bioMérieux, a world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics, is pleased to announce the introduction of its new FDA-cleared tests to rapidly detect Lyme Disease in just 27 minutes.

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected deer tick or black legged tick. Initial symptoms may include a Bull’s Eye-shaped rash, flu-like symptoms, fever, fatigue and/or joint/bone pain. Late symptoms can include fatigue, arthritis and chronic neurological problems. Preventing tick bites, checking for ticks and proper tick removal are very important to help prevent infection.

bioMérieux’s new VIDAS® Lyme IgG II and VIDAS® Lyme IgM II assays, in conjunction with clinical information, provide rapid and differential detection of Borrelia burgdorferi infection and allow classification of the infection in early or late stages of the disease. This helps ensure patients receive rapid, optimized treatment depending on their stage of infection. Using innovative recombinant proteins, provides the sensitivity and specificity to detect all of the main disease-causing Borrelia strains, and reduces cross-reactivity to other infectious diseases. Because they detect IgM and IgG antibodies separately, the new assays reduce the number of confirmatory tests needed, potentially reducing cost.

“Utilizing the VIDAS® Lyme IgG II and VIDAS® Lyme IgM II assays that measure separate IgG and IgM antibodies as a screening diagnostic test provides the ability to quickly separate early from late infection. Having this information earlier decreases unnecessary and/or inappropriate treatment for previous infections, and provides earlier information aiding differential diagnosis in endemic areas of tick borne disease.” said Lena Prisco, PhD, Medical Operations Director, Vineyard Medical Care, Vineyard Haven MA.

“bioMérieux is committed to helping healthcare professionals diagnose infectious diseases, including Lyme Disease.” said Samuel Bozzette, MD, Ph.D, Vice President Medical Affairs for bioMérieux Americas. “The new tests, in conjunction with clinical information, will help clinicians prescribe the appropriate treatment adapted to the patient’s infection status.

New VIDAS® Lyme Assays are performed on the VIDAS®, and mini VIDAS® automated immunoassay platforms. With a reputation for quality and reliability, VIDAS® is the world’s largest installed base of automated immunoassay systems in clinical laboratories.

About bioMérieux

Pioneering Diagnostics

A world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics for 50 years, bioMérieux is present in more than 150 countries through 42 subsidiaries and a large network of distributors. In 2014, revenues reached €1.698 billion with 88% of sales outside of France.

bioMérieux provides diagnostic solutions (reagents, instruments, software) which determine the source of disease and contamination to improve patient health and ensure consumer safety. Its products are used for diagnosing infectious diseases and providing high medical value results for cancer screening and monitoring and cardiovascular emergencies. They are also used for detecting microorganisms in agri-food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

bioMérieux is listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris market (Symbol: BIM – ISIN: FR0010096479). Other information can be found at www.biomerieux-usa.com

Contacts

Media Relations

bioMérieux Inc.
Suzanne Jones
Tel: +1 919-479-3637
suzanne.jones@biomerieux.com

Baker & Yorke
Tim Baker
Tel: +1 216-338-8086
tbaker@baker-yorke.com

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