Zacks_Analysts' Blog : NeuroMetrix to Launch DPN Test - Analyst Blog

Nerve testing devices maker NeuroMetrix (NURO) is on track to unveil its latest test, the NC-stat DPNCheck, at the forthcoming annual conference of the American Diabetes Association (“ADA”) in San Diego, California, during June 24-28, 2011. The NC-stat DPNCheck test has been geared for evaluating systemic neuropathies such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (“DPN”).

DPN, a common and serious complication of diabetes, affects roughly 60%-70% of diabetics and may lead to foot ulcers and amputations. Currently, there is a lack of standardized test for DPN at the point-of-care, triggering a large unmet need.

NC-stat DPNCheck, a modified version of NeuroMetrix’s popular NC-stat device for detecting DPN, measures the standard biomarkers for DPN such as sural nerve conduction velocity and amplitude. The device is expected to help in the early detection, confirmation, and monitoring of DPN in a cost-effective manner at the point-of-care, thereby enabling the company to address the need for a widely available, standardized test for this condition.

NeuroMetrix plans to conduct a number of activities at the ADA meet including two poster presentations, live demonstration of NC-stat DPNCheck and a meeting of its scientific advisory board which was set up in March 2011. The board, which consists of eminent international experts, has played a pivotal role in aiding the company’s efforts to bring this novel test into the market.

Visitors at NeuroMetrix’s booth at the ADA can learn about NC-stat DPNCheck, view a live demo, meet with company representatives and inquire about product trials. The test will be commercially available in second-half 2011.

NeuroMetrix develops and markets devices that help physicians detect and treat diseases and peripheral nerve injuries, and offer regional anesthesia and pain control. The company’s principal products are ADVANCE and NC-stat devices for nerve conduction study (“NCS”). NeuroMetrix competes with Medtronic (MDT) among others.

The company recently united with Florida-based leading diabetes management products maker Nipro Diagnostics for NC-stat DPNCheck. The collaboration will focus on evaluating the opportunities for the test in the rapidly growing retail medical clinic market.