The FLEX4 Rapid Test is the newest addition to the VetScan Rapid Test product family. The VetScan FLEX4 Rapid Test offers improved shelf-life, ease-of-use, room temperature storage, and price when compared to competing products. Veterinary clinics and hospitals now have a 4-in-1 alternative for vector-borne disease testing on a single cassette. As with all other VetScan Rapid Tests for infectious diseases, results can be easily read by the user within 8-10 minutes. Abaxis plans to begin shipping FLEX4 Rapid Tests to its distributor network later this quarter and the FLEX4 should be available to U.S. veterinarians shortly thereafter.
Craig Tockman, Vice President of Animal Health Sales and Marketing for North America of Abaxis, stated, "As a veterinarian, it is always important to have the option to choose quality diagnostic products for our valued clients and their pets. We believe the FLEX4 Rapid Test will benefit many practices and hospitals looking for a new alternative that is accurate, has longer shelf-life, is less expensive, and easier to use. In addition, our strategic distributor partners are excited about this product and are prepared to get this new rapid test into the veterinary marketplace."
Clint Severson, Chief Executive Officer of Abaxis, said, "The USDA approval of the VetScan FLEX4 Rapid Test is an important achievement. It fully opens the door for Abaxis to successfully compete in this $100 million+ annual market. At Abaxis, we strive to be a leading innovator in the point-of-care diagnostics segment, and we believe the new FLEX4 Rapid Test, a 4-in-1 canine test, fits that mold. We pride ourselves on providing better, innovative solutions for our valued customers and we believe this is a significant win for our customers. Now, veterinary practices and hospitals have a diagnostic option that embodies the standard of excellence for which Abaxis is known. We believe the FLEX4 Rapid Test provides a better diagnostic solution for the pet and its owner and the veterinary practice. We look forward to the opportunities ahead."
Along with the multiplex FLEX4 Rapid Test, Abaxis will continue to sell the single test platform currently available for Heartworm disease, Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis. Many veterinarians praise the flexibility of the single Rapid Test line because they can test based on disease prevalence in their region or use individual tests to verify treatment outcomes at the point-of-care. With the addition of the FLEX4, the veterinarian now has increased flexibility to test infectious diseases according to their preference.