Virco's HIV resistance test approved in Europe
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Infectious disease diagnostic specialist Virco has CE marked its vircoTYPE HIV-1 resistance test for sale in Europe. It is designed to predict how susceptible a patient's virus is to certain classes of HIV drugs, the reverse transcriptase and protease inhibitors. First, the referring lab genetically sequences the virus and sends the results to Virco, which evaluates the mutations and performs mathematical modelling using the vircoTYPE HIV-1 software to predict the patient's response to a given drug. This could help physicians tailor treatment more effectively. The Beerse, Belgium-based company claims the product is the only HIV diagnostic of its kind to be available in Europe. Virco is also developing a test to predict response to another type of HIV drug, the integrase inhibitors, called vircoTYPE HIV-1 IN.
You may also be interested in...
What are the hottest innovations from Israel?
Israel is well-known as a medtech hot-spot, with a focus on academic research and strong government support helping the country punch well above its weight when it comes to innovative devices.
EuroPCR: St Jude and Philips talk up rival intravascular imaging techs
St Jude Medical had a heavy focus on its intravascular imaging offering at this year’s EuroPCR meeting, presenting data supporting its optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology. OCT provides intravascular images to help assess culprit lesions, which can improve stent selection and deployment, according to St Jude.
EuroPCR: Medtronic's drug-coated balloon keeps rising
A big topic at this year’s EuroPCR, held in Paris on 19-22 May, was drug-coated balloons (DCBs). One of the leaders in the field, Medtronic, presented positive data from two studies of its IN.PACT Admiral balloon, which could support an expanded indication for the device.