The availability of novel assay platforms represents a tipping point for diagnostics' adoption in the markets for translational medicine, esoteric testing, and high-complexity labs. Platform companies may be accustomed to defining their business strategies in terms of maximizing instrument placements but this may not be the optimal path to commercial success for a novel diagnostic test. They need to develop "category-killer" tests--those that combine platform and diagnostic content to offer a compelling clinical value proposition.

Our monthly update on technology transfer deals--licensing agreements between companies and universities or other research institutions--in the fields of life sciences, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and research/analytical instrumentation and reagents.

A roundup of recent medtech strategic alliances, mergers & acquisitions and financings.

In Vivo summarizes the technologies of these recently founded companies:Egea Biosciences Inc. will provide gene synthesis and protein design and production for its corporate partners. ImpactRx Inc. is building networks of high-prescribing physicians that will provide real-time diagnosis, drug, and promotion information to Pharma clients. MetriGenix Inc. claims that its flow-through platform has higher hybridization rates and larger active surface areas than typical microarrays, allowing for faster analysis using smaller amounts of samples and reagents. Neuronetics Inc. will use pulsed magnetic fields to treat severe depression, marketing its technology as a noninvasive alternative to electroconvulsive therapy. TolerRx Inc. aims to combat chronic inflammatory and immune diseases by harnessing the T-cell mediated tolerance mechanisms by which the body recognizes self-antigens. Starting off with three drugs acquired from Immunex Corp., Xanodyne Pharmacal Inc. will develop and market therapeutics for cancer, bleeding disorders, pain management and other indications.