The bacterium Helicobacter Pylori is ultimately responsible for some 2% of all mortalities in the Western world.

Evidence of H.pylori infection can be easily detected by the use of In Vitro Diagnostics. Eradication therapy, using antibiotics, takes 10 days.

H. pylori causes the vast majority of duodenal and gastric ulcers, and is an indirect cause of stomach cancer. Eradication therapy is highly effective, more than 90% of patients are treated successfully, with only a 2% relapse rate.

Patients suffering from H.pylori infection and exhibiting chronic gastritis, estimated upwards of 1,000,000 people in the UK, risk developing secondary gastroduodenal disease if not diagnosed and treated. In the USA, testing and treating for this condition not only reduces the discomfort and possible long term problems of the infection, but saves the health budget $225 per patient in the first year alone! In Germany, testing and utilising the new eradication therapy will save 3,200 million DM per year in avoiding the costs of treatment of the longer term consequences of ignored infection. It is estimated that in the UK, such a programme would save the NHS £500 million over six years, and ultimately reduce the incidence of death due to stomach cancer by up to 80%.

At the center of these opportunities to reduce the misery of the condition and also make long term savings in the health budget are In Vitro Diagnostics, testing for the condition and targeting the therapy.

references:

Stolte M, Deutsches Artzeblatt (1996) 93/13 A824-5
Jovell AJ et al (1998) Catalan Agency for Health Technology Assessment