Abbott and GenLab to develop test for orthopaedic infections

Abbott has agreed a new alliance with Genetics Laboratory (GenLab) focusing on the development of a molecular diagnostic test to detect microorganisms causing orthopaedic infections.

The new assay will be designed for use with the Plex-ID automated microbial identification system, which is able to identify a wide range of microorganisms within five to six hours.

Once commercialised, the product will be instrumental in helping to prevent cases of bacteria such as MRSA attaching to the artificial surfaces of implants and forming colonies called biofilms that can be difficult to treat and diagnose.

It will allow clinicians to determine which pathogens are responsible for an infection and gain insights into genetic composition and antibiotic resistance.

Orthopaedic oncologic surgeon Dr Gerhard Maale, who will serve as medical director for the Abbott-GenLab collaboration, said: "This could be a major step forward in diagnosing and treating serious infections in artificial joint recipients, with the potential to provide important information to physicians."

This comes after Abbott recently announced that it will also be developing a new diagnostic test to accompany an investigational cancer therapy from Merck Sharpe and Dohme.