Qiagen recently acquired technology for point of need testing (PON ie diagnostic test can be performed on patient independent of a laboratory in the field) and if this could be applied successfully to TB IGRA testing it would be a major step forward. As I understand it, the patents and IP rights of Cellestis would be no barrier to this happening after 2013. I had always assumed that CST was working on a PON test (this would explain their fingerprick sample patent), but perhaps it is not going well, or is threatened by the Qiagen technology. A PON TB IGRA test would be very effective competition against the skin test, because the main current advantage of the skin test is it does not depend on a laboratory. Obviously, there would be quite a lag before such a test would be on the market and I am not saying that this justifies current developments, but possibly sheds some light. I must say I don't understand how it is in the best interests of shareholders for them not to be able to solicit higher bids. And how does that options caper involving Qiagen benefit us?
CST Price at posting:
$3.46 Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held
