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Commonwealth Diagnostics Announces U.S. Launch and New Global DevelopmentsCommonwealth Diagnostics International (CDI), Inc., an international diagnostic service provider specializing in functional gastrointestinal disorders, recently announced the re-launch and integration of its customer-centric, gastroenterology-focused diagnostic testing business in the United States, including its hydrogen and methane breath testing portfolio for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and carbohydrate malabsorption. This announcement comes after CDI generated positive momentum and recognition at the American Gastroenterological Association's Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2017 Annual Meeting, where CDI announced new data from three studies that provide evidence to support improved testing methods for the diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other common digestive disturbances.1-3 "This is an exciting time for CDI as we are able to return to our heritage and deliver our industry-leading model of service and simplicity to our healthcare providers throughout the United States," said Craig S. Strasnick, President and CEO at CDI. "These new developments will allow CDI to focus on our current portfolio of diagnostic tests in the U.S., while also introducing new technologies that will help to facilitate the diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders in the future as we advance our growing R&D program across a broad spectrum of GI health areas." This announcement comes as CDI takes steps to provide expanded offerings to patients in the US and globally. Some recent notable developments include:
IBS, a common gastrointestinal disorder accompanied by symptoms such as bloating, intermittent abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation, is often difficult for healthcare providers to diagnose. Frequently, IBS is diagnosed by a process of exclusion, meaning patients are diagnosed after numerous tests and after excluding all other conditions. These testing methods can be invasive, expensive, and time-consuming. "I have had the opportunity to work with CDI's management team and portfolio of products for several years, as I diagnose and treat patients with various GI disorders. I am glad to know the company's diagnostic products and services are now available to the patients I am seeing at my local practice," said Brennan Spiegel, MD, MSHS, Director, Health Services Research in Academic Affairs and Clinical Transformation at Cedars-Sinai. "I am excited to follow the new advances and contributions CDI can make to the GI patient and research community." CDI re-launched its domestic operations the week of August 21, 2017, with additional launch activities and announcements coming at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Annual Meeting, October 13-18, 2017, in Orlando, FL. About IBS and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that is associated with bloating, chronic abdominal pain and cramping, and changes in bowel frequency and form. Diarrhea and constipation are common symptoms associated with IBS. The exact cause of IBS is unknown.7 Treatments are available to help manage the symptoms of IBS, but there is no known cure.7 It is estimated that IBS affects between 25 and 45 million people in the United States and is the most commonly diagnosed functional gastrointestinal disorder.8 The symptoms of IBS are similar to those experienced by patients with SIBO.9 SIBO occurs when an increased number and/or type of bacteria proliferate in the upper gastrointestinal tract, resulting in patient symptoms such as bloating, pain, abdominal discomfort, watery diarrhea, dyspepsia, and weight loss. CDI offers proprietary hydrogen and methane breath tests to assist patients and providers in diagnosing SIBO. About Commonwealth Diagnostics Commonwealth Diagnostics International (CDI), Inc., was founded on the principle that preventative healthcare, including early detection and diagnosis of disease, results in expedited treatment, better patient outcomes, and robust cost savings for the healthcare delivery system. Operating out of a newly constructed laboratory in Salem, MA, CDI is an international diagnostic service provider specializing in innovative diagnostic products that assist physicians and patients with the diagnosis and management of some of the world's most common sources of digestive distress and functional gastrointestinal disorders, including: hydrogen (H2)/methane (CH4) breath testing for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and carbohydrate malabsorption, IBSchek™ for IBS-D/M; and AbStats™, an easy-to-use, noninvasive, and reliable digestive telemetry and sensory system. CDI focuses on creating customized operational solutions to diagnostic technologies that drive accessibility and simplicity in lieu of outdated, expensive, invasive, and inaccessible diagnostic modalities. CDI's entire portfolio of tests can be utilized either at home or with one simple trip to the physician. CDI's laboratory specializes in customized gas chromatography, ELISA, and isotope-ratio mass spectrometry solutions. Additional company information can be found at www.CommDx.com. References: 1 Almario CV, Noah BD, Jusufagic A,Lew D, Spiegel B. At what price and accuracy are IBS-D biomarkers cost-saving in clinical practice? [abstract]. Gastroenterology. 2017; 152(5)(suppl):S118-S119. Abstract 516. 2 Lin E, Chua KS, Pichetshote N, et al. Measurement of hydrogen sulfide during breath testing correlates to patient symptoms [abstract]. Gastroenterology. 2017;152(5)(suppl):S205-S206. Abstract 1102. 3 Parodi G, Morales W, Park SC, et al. Cytolethal distending toxin B (CdtB) exposure alone is sufficient to precipitate autoimmunity and changes to the small intestinal microbiome in a rat model of post-infectious IBS [abstract]. Gastroenterology. 2017;152(5)(suppl):S621. Abstract Su1991. 4 Rezaie A, Buresi M, Lembo A, et al. Hydrogen and methane-based breath testing in gastrointestinal disorders: the North American Consensus. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017;112(5):775-784. 5 For additional information about these strategic partnerships, or to inquire about how to work with CDI in the global markets, please contact the company directly. 6 Rinde H, Holtorf A, Riceberg LJ. The Economic Impact for Self-Insured Employers in the USA from Early Diagnosis of Diarrhea Dominated or Mixed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D/M) Using a Novel IBS Diagnostic Blood Panel. Poster presented at ISPOR 22nd Annual International Meeting; May 2017. 7 Irritable bowel syndrome: symptoms. Mayo Clinic website. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/basics/symptoms/con-20024578. Accessed May 5, 2017. 8 Facts about IBS. International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders website. http://www.aboutibs.org/facts-about-ibs.html. Accessed May 5, 2017. 9 Gut bacteria and IBS. International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders website. https://aboutibs.org/gut-bacteria-and-ibs.html. Accessed July 12, 2017.
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