Opko Health Stock Price, News & Analysis

BioReference Laboratories, part of OPKO Health (NASDAQ:OPK), has launched a COVID-19 testing program for New York City school principals, teachers, and staff to ensure a safer return to school. The initiative, in collaboration with the NYC Department of Health and NYC Health + Hospitals, will collect specimens for PCR testing at eight locations, operating from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET until September 7. This program highlights OPKO's commitment to supporting educational safety during the pandemic.

BioReference Laboratories, an OPKO Health company (NASDAQ:OPK), launched OnkoSight Advanced^TM, a next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay for detailed DNA mutational profiling of tumors. This assay aligns with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, aiding insights into common cancers. It features key biomarkers like Tumor Mutation Burden (TMB) and Microsatellite Instability (MSI) for advanced malignancies. The launch emphasizes patient-centric care through improved accuracy and faster turnaround, enhancing oncology management.

GeneDx, a subsidiary of OPKO Health, has partnered with Pediatrix Medical Group to provide advanced genomic sequencing in neonatal care. This collaboration will enhance diagnostic capabilities in NICUs, focusing on whole exome and whole genome sequencing under the Detect Genomix brand. With a network of over 2,200 affiliated physicians and more than 100 genetic counselors, the initiative aims to improve diagnostics for genetic disorders, a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The services will be accessible across the U.S.

OPKO Health's subsidiary, GeneDx, has launched GenomeXpress, a rapid genome sequencing test that delivers results within seven days. This innovation enhances GeneDx's clinical genomics portfolio, offering three rapid sequencing options. GenomeXpress identifies pathogenic variants across both coding and non-coding regions of the genome, improving diagnostic accuracy for over 13,000 genetic diseases. The test promises to reduce hospital stays and healthcare costs while providing timely insights to clinicians and patients.

OPKO Health, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPK) will participate in a fireside chat at the BTIG Virtual Biotechnology Conference on August 10, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time. Management will also engage in one-on-one meetings with investors through organized conference calls. A live webcast of the event will be available on OPKO's investor website, along with a replay accessible for a limited time.

OPKO is focused on establishing leading positions in rapidly growing markets by leveraging its pharmaceutical and diagnostics expertise.

BioReference Laboratories, part of OPKO Health (NASDAQ: OPK), has received an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract from the CDC for Commercial Surge Capacity Testing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The contract, effective from July 20 to November 19, 2020, focuses on antibody testing to determine COVID-19 seroprevalence and will involve collaboration with the CDC for data analysis. This partnership emphasizes the need for public-private collaboration in effectively responding to the COVID-19 crisis.

BioReference Laboratories, an OPKO Health company (NASDAQ: OPK), has been selected to conduct COVID-19 testing for Major League Soccer (MLS) players and staff during the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando, starting July 9, 2020. This partnership involves PCR and antibody testing to ensure a safe environment for the league's return. Additionally, BioReference is providing community antibody testing at the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, which commenced on July 6, 2020. This initiative underscores BioReference's role in supporting public health amid the pandemic.

BioReference Laboratories, part of OPKO Health, reported the results of COVID-19 testing for nursing home staff in New York State. Following a state mandate, PCR and antibody tests were conducted on approximately 3,500 employees. Notably, 29% tested positive for antibodies, suggesting significant prior exposure among the estimated 140,000 nursing home staff. Active infection rates were much lower at 2.9%. The findings indicate that widespread testing likely helped prevent further virus spread to vulnerable residents, highlighting BioReference's commitment to combating COVID-19.

OPKO Health announced positive results from a Phase 3 clinical trial for somatrogon, a treatment for pediatric growth hormone deficiency, in Japan. The study met its primary and secondary objectives, demonstrating that somatrogon is comparably effective and safe when administered weekly versus the daily injection of GENOTROPIN. The somatrogon group showed a greater annual height velocity (9.65 cm/year) compared to GENOTROPIN (7.87 cm/year). With most adverse events being mild to moderate, the trial results represent a significant milestone for OPKO and may improve patient adherence and quality of life.