QIAGEN's High-Throughput Solutions For Human ID Database

QIAGEN N.V. (NASDAQ:QGEN) , in collaboration with Hamilton Robotics, has launched automated high-throughput solutions for human identity (ID) databases. These solutions target the growing need for DNA fingerprinting of samples in human ID databases.

Its automated workflows allow high-throughput assay setup for evaluating a large number of reference samples collected for law enforcement or national databases.

National databases are useful for investigators as they facilitate the process of matching DNA from crime scenes and suspects. A number of recent legislations call for an increase in DNA collection and samples submission in order to expand databases and expedite criminal investigation. This has resulted in a huge backlog of DNA samples yet to be processed at the forensic laboratories.

QIAGEN already has the popular Investigator STR GO!’ Kits in its portfolio, which amplifies short tandem repeats (STRs), and in turn ensures fast and convenient processing of samples. The recently developed workflow comprises QIAGEN’s new STAR Q instrument line, which ensures speed, low unit cost and superior quality. The solution also utilizes QIAGEN’s new Quality Sensor, a new internal performance control for quality monitoring in highly automated processes. The workflow will enable forensic labs to receive DNA samples from the police in form of buccal swabs or treated collection papers such as FTA cards, quickly process them for analysis and upload the digitized information to databases.

The company’s management expects the partnership with Hamilton Robotics for solutions for human ID databases to expand the former’s position in the human ID space. The latest offering would enable the company to help forensic scientists and experts in law enforcement database laboratories boost capacity and reduce backlogs.

In light of growing number of crimes and law amendments, a MarketsandMarkets report stated that the market for global human identification by technology is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.9% to reach $804.0 million by 2018. We believe QIAGEN is on track to capture a huge share of this growing market. The company has already made considerable expansion in the human ID and forensic division by providing Investigator Solutions, Human ID applications, DNA Quantification, STR Technology and NGS applications.

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

QIAGEN currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Other favorably placed stocks in the medical product sector include GW Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ:GWPH) , Quidel Corp. (NASDAQ:QDEL) and NuVasive, Inc. (NASDAQ:NUVA) . Both GW Pharmaceuticals and Quidel sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while NuVasive carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

GW Pharmaceuticals’ shares have surged 83.5% year to date, compared to the S&P 500’s 4.7% gain over the same time frame. The company’s four-quarter average earnings surprise is 41.6%.

Shares of Quidel have jumped 18% in the past one year, higher than the S&P 500’s 7.2% gain. Over the next five years, the stock is estimated to record an earnings growth rate of 20%, higher than the industry average of 14.8%.

NuVasive’s shares have soared 32% over the past one year, compared to the S&P 500’s 7.3% gain. Over the next five years, the stock is expected to see 16.7% earnings growth, compared to the industry average of 14.8%. It has delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 19%.

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