Bio Merieux To Launch Test Kit For Hiv

Bio Merieux India is planning to introduce a new diagnostic system for detection of the HIV virus. The system, which will be able to detect the virus earlier than other available tests, will also give quicker results. It is also expected to be cheaper than the PCR tests.

It can detect the presence of the virus after 11 days of infection. The test is based on the detection of the antigens, while other tests check for antibodies.

The company, which is a 100 per cent subsidiary of French medical diagnostics company Bio Merieux, plans to focus on the Indian market in a big way.

 

"The company foresees a 20-25 per cent growth in the Indian market in the coming years," said Pascal Vincelot, managing director, Bio Merieux India. The company has introduced two new diagnostic machines in the country this year. Next year, it will open a food-testing department in the country. It also plans to start production of its equipment in the country. "We have already submitted a proposal for a project worth around $1.2 million to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board." added Vincelot.

"The company customises its products to the specific needs of the market," he says. "Of our total product portfolio of 2,500 products, we have launched 400 in India. In fact, we are introducing our products simultaneously in Europe, America and in India," he adds.

Bio Merieux specialises in infectious disease diagnostics and industrial microbiology control. With worldwide sales of over $568 million in 1999, it is the eighth largest biological diagnostics company in the world and has a 24 per cent share of the global microbiology market.

The company has installed 100 machines in the country including four in Assam and one in Sikkim.