Everyone,
My brother, who owns some Quidel stock, recently visited the doctor and asked a few questions. This is what he wrote me:
"Mike,
I went to the doctor on the 14th. I asked about the cold and flu season. The doctor said, "It's the worst we've seen in years." I asked how they test. The doctor said, "we use the only strep a test they will let us: Quidel's Quick View. We charge $10 for a test and have gone threw a shit load this winter and are still using it." He did not know about the Quidel H.pylori test but was happy to hear there is a CLIA waved test. He tests quite a few people for H.pylori and about 1/3 have shown positive. Currently goes to an outside lab for testing but is interested in house testing. They have not seen a P&G rep yet this year.
The pharmacist at Marks pharmacy (an independent) told me he has not seen a P&G rep this year, but reported that they are dispensing more and more product for H.pylori. He said, "H.pylori is becoming more and more recognized by physicians and with all the current documentation, doctors who felt a bacteria could not be responsible are now taking notice, testing and prescribing for H.pylori. He also confirmed the cold and flu season is the worst in years. Many people are still being tested for flu and strep a. He has been dispensing like a slot machine.
I also head some advertising on the radio about H.pylori from the University of Washington Physicians. The advertisements include a quick blurb on a test, but the test name is not mentioned. I'll call them to get more information and see whose test they are using.
Bill"
I also spoke to my mother a few days ago. She's a retired nurse. She said her pharmacist told her that Helidac is on all the pharmacists shelves, but that he hasn't sold any yet. He didn't know there was a CLIA waved H.pylori test, but said if Quidel's got one, and it's being marketed with Helidac, it should become a big seller.
P&G's mass marketing campaign just began the first of February. From the information I heard from my brother, mother, and other sources, I'd guess many doctors just don't know there's a rapid H.pylori CLIA waved test on the market. That's sure to change soon though, now that P&G's on the scene.
With such a bad strep season this year, I think Quidel's going to have another blockbuster quarter.
Mike |
