NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – HiberGene announced today it has obtained CE marking and launched a rapid molecular assay for Clostridium Difficile.
The test, called HG C. difficile, can detect C. diff nucleic acids from stool samples in under 60 minutes. It is the third test in the firm's portfolio, which also includes CE-marked molecular assays for meningococcus and Group B Strep.
The Dublin, Ireland-based firm uses loop mediated amplification technology to develop tests for infectious diseases. It closed a €1.5 million ($1.6 million) first tranche of Series B funding in January, and said it planned to use the funding to launch three assays in 2016.
"The inability to provide a rapid, on the spot, diagnosis can often result in a delay in effective treatment being administered" for C. diff infections, said HiberGene CEO Brendan Farrell in a statement. "By using the HG C. difficile test, health professionals can now quickly and easily diagnose the presence of the bacterium and provide an effective treatment."
HiberGene is one of several firms with C. diff assays in development or commercially available. A study earlier this year indicated rapid screening and isolation of C. diff carriers could reduce illness and save hospitals money.