Thermo Fisher Scientific TMO recently introduced the Applied Biosystems Axiom BloodGenomiX Array and Software, a first-of-its-kind solution for more precise blood genotyping in clinical research. The new array detects most extended and rare blood groups, tissue (HLA) and platelet (HPA) types in a single, high-throughput assay, supporting future advancements in donor blood matching for extended phenotypes.
The latest development is expected to enhance the company’s Life Sciences Solutions segment, which offers advanced microarray solutions for various applications such as predictive genomics, reproductive health and oncology research.
Significance of the New Array
Blood typing is a critical medical service used to match blood and tissue types ahead of transfusions and transplants. When an individual receives incompatible blood, they can form antibodies that can increase the risk of a severe, even life-threatening, reaction to future transfusions. This risk increases significantly for people who receive frequent transfusions, such as patients undergoing chemotherapy and people with inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell disorder.
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While testing for the four main blood types (A, B, AB and O) and determining if the blood is Rh positive or negative is common practice, there are many more blood group systems, including some extremely rare blood types. Therefore, research is critical to bring extended blood typing to strategies to mitigate potential risks of hemolytic transfusion reactions in the future. In this regard, Thermo Fisher’s Axiom BloodGenomiX Array and Software are considered to be a cost-effective, high-throughput solution for extended blood typing research.
News in Detail
The Array covers more than 40 genes and 260 antigens across 38 blood group systems in addition to HLA and HPA types. It was developed in collaboration with the Blood Transfusion Genomics Consortium, an international partnership of blood services, research institutions and industry leaders that aims to improve the safety and efficacy of blood and platelet transfusion. In a validation study using 14,000 diverse DNA samples from the national blood services of Australia, Canada, England, Finland, the Netherlands, South Africa and the New York Blood Center, the array showed a high level of concordance (99.89%) with participants’ blood group antigen types.
For a complete workflow, the BloodGenomiX Array can be coupled with Applied Biosystems BloodGenomiX Reporter Software and the Applied Biosystems GeneTitan MC Instrument, helping alleviate pain points with automated analysis, reporting and quality control. The workflow requires minimal hands-on time and can be run by existing lab staff. According to Thermo Fisher’s vice president and general manager at Microarray Solutions, having access to a scalable, array-based blood typing solution may help blood services effectively screen extended blood types for more precise blood matching.
Industry Prospects
Per a Research report, the global microarray market was valued at $3.9 billion in 2021 and is expected to witness a 7.8% CAGR by 2031.
The market is growing due to an increasing number of ongoing R&D activities, more government support for research and development activities and an increase in healthcare expenditure. Furthermore, a rise in the incidence of cancer, the rapidly evolving information and software technology and emerging bioinformatics are considerably contributing toward the market growth.
Other Developments in the Life Sciences Solutions Business
Last month, Thermo Fisher introduced the Gibco CTS OpTmizer One Serum-Free Medium (CTS OpTmizer One SFM), a novel animal origin-free formulation designed specifically for clinical and commercial cell therapy manufacturing to deliver increased scalability and performance of T cell expansion. Its ready-to-use, one-part medium can help cell therapy manufacturers scale their manufacturing from process development to clinical trials and commercial manufacturing while maintaining consistent performance.
Price Performance
In the past year, TMO shares have rallied 14.8% compared with the industry’s rise of 8.1%.
Zacks Rank and Key Picks
Thermo Fisher currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are Hims & Hers Health HIMS, High Tide HITI and Medpace MEDP. Each of them sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 stocks here.
Hims & Hers Heath stock has rallied 30.3% in the past year. Earnings estimates for the company have risen from 10 cents to 18 cents in 2024 and from 23 cents to 32 cents in 2025 in the past 30 days.
HIMS’ earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in one, delivering an average surprise of 79.2%. In the last reported quarter, it posted an earnings surprise of a staggering 150%.
Estimates for High Tide’s 2024 earnings per share have remained breakeven in the past 30 days. Shares of the company have surged 83.2% upward in the past year against the industry’s fall of 1.9%.
HITI’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 91.7%. In the last reported quarter, it delivered an earnings surprise of 100%.
Estimates for Medpace’s 2024 earnings per share have moved up to $11.29 from $10.53 in the past 30 days. Shares of the company have risen 95.5% in the past year compared with the industry’s 4.4% growth.
MEDP’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 12.8%. In the last reported quarter, it delivered an average earnings surprise of 30.6%.
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