influenza

The panel, developed by collaborator Janssen, is expected to improve detection of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.

Gene expression may offer clues to antibody activity after flu vaccination in individuals under 35, according to expression data for hundreds of individuals. 

The company plans to expand into new markets through its recent acquisition of Alere Triage assets.

Canaccord and William Blair also increased their price targets on  Quidel's shares, following its acquisition of certain Alere assets and assays.

The firm said that its Panther Fusion system expands molecular testing capabilities, and increases productivity and flexibility for labs.

The firm's Q4 global influenza sales were up 60 percent year over year, and in 2016 its global infectious disease business achieved double-digit sales growth.

Influenza revenues rose 112 percent due to an especially long and severe respiratory disease season, dominated by a virulent H3N2 strain of influenza.

While point-of-care molecular testing of patients with respiratory illness wasn't associated with lower antibiotic use, patients tested had shorter drug courses.