BD and Check-Points agree distribution deal for BD Max CRO assays

BD has announced a development and global distribution agreement with Check-Points for its BD MAX assays for the detection of carbapenem-resistant organisms (CRO).

The deal will see BD distribute the Check-Direct CPE Screen for the BD Max assay outside the US, with Check-Points maintaining exclusivity in the Netherlands. The companies will also develop and commercialise a next-generation CRO assay for launch outside the US in 2017, with an American launch to be scheduled later.

Designed to identify and differentiate the presence of the four most common carbapenemase genes, the Check-Direct CPE Screen for the BD Max assay is a real time polymerase chain reaction kit for the detection of CRO from rectal swabs.

In three prospective European studies, the assay demonstrated overall clinical sensitivity and specificity of 98.5 percent and 96.8 percent, respectively.

John Rossen, assistant professor of medical microbiology at the University Medical Center, Groningen, said: "The assay on the BD Max has improved our turnaround time for CRO screening and has shown a very positive impact in our hospital."

This comes after the firm launched its new BD Max Vaginal Panel last month, after receiving European CE Mark approval for the device.