NEW YORK (360Dx) – The World Health Organization said this week that it is extending its European Laboratory Initiative on TB to include HIV and viral hepatitis. The WHO said it aims to more effectively address the specific needs of the European region with the inclusion of the two diseases and added that Europe is the only WHO region where HIV infections and tuberculosis/HIV co-infections are rising because of late HIV diagnoses. Rates of multidrug-resistant TB also are high, and viral hepatitis has a low diagnosis rate, making it a major public health threat, the WHO said.
Through the expanded initiative, the WHO will support the greater integration of TB, HIV, and viral hepatitis diagnostic services by developing publications and providing technical guidance, and aiding in the implementation of the latest WHO guidelines on MDR-TB.
Cancer Genetics said this week it has closed its previously announced public offering of about 13.3 million shares of its common stock at nearly $.23 per share. The firm also granted the underwriter a 45-day option to purchase an additional 2 million shares at the $.23 per share price. Gross proceeds from the offering were $3 million. Cancer Genetics Chairman John Pappajohn, board director Geoffrey Harris, and President and CEO John Roberts each purchased shares in the offering. HC Wainwright was the sole book-running manager for the offering.
Interpace Diagnostics said this week has it has signed an agreement with the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) to provide UMMS physicians with access to the firm's ThyGeNext, ThyraMir, and PancraGen diagnostic tests. Physicians can utilize ThyGeNext and ThyraMir to assess indeterminate thyroid nodules, and PancraGen for indeterminate pancreatic cysts and solid lesions.
Precipio said this week that Makati Medical Center in the Philippines has placed its first order for ICE COLD-PCR as part of its agreement to serve as the exclusive central laboratory in the Philippines for Precipio's ICP liquid biopsy technology.
MakatiMed will serve as the primary site to provide liquid biopsy services for its patients and other major hospitals in Manila, as well as other cancer centers around the country. Precipio said it anticipates the market potential in the Philippines over the next few years to generate 10,000 tests annually for potential revenues of $1 million to $3 million.
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