IDEXX Announces SDMA as Important Expansion to Reference Lab Test Menu

WESTBROOK, Maine, Jan. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDXX) announced today an upcoming kidney test, called SDMA, promising to transform the way veterinarians diagnose and treat kidney disease in cats and dogs. The new renal biomarker identifies the onset of kidney disease months or even years earlier than traditional methods, greatly expanding treatment options.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive, permanent loss of kidney function over time, and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cats and dogs. Veterinarians appreciate the relevance of kidney disease because in time, one in three cats and one in ten dogs will develop some form of the disease. Current diagnostic methods to detect and diagnose CKD, including standard chemistry tests, typically fail to detect the disease until 75% of kidney function has been irreparably lost, limiting treatment options and presenting a poor prognosis for the pet and to the pet owner.

The new IDEXX SDMA test has been shown to detect kidney disease when only 40 percent function has been lost, on average, and in some cases even earlier -- results that have been validated in third party peer reviewed studies. Earlier detection allows veterinarians to provide more effective intervention, including prescription of therapeutic diets, renal protective drugs, and avoidance of renal toxic drugs. A treatment plan might add months or even years to pet lives.

The new IDEXX test incorporates proprietary technology that allows for SDMA to be measured on routine high throughput clinical chemistry analyzers used in our reference labs, in a highly cost effective fashion, and at the same rapid turnaround time as the rest of a chemistry panel.  IDEXX plans to include the SDMA kidney test in all routine reference lab chemistry profiles at no additional cost to the customer. As context, more than half of the requisitions that come to IDEXX Reference Labs in North America include a request for a chemistry panel, and almost all customers who use IDEXX as their primary reference lab routinely request lab requisitions that include chemistry testing.

"SDMA is an extremely important addition to the unique set of test menu solutions introduced by our reference lab modality that provide veterinarians advanced tools to serve  clients and their pets," said Jonathan W. Ayers, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "When customers partner with IDEXX for their diagnostics solutions, their medical capability expands, leading to the potential for better patient outcomes. SDMA is unique in that it provides significant incremental value to the standard reference lab chemistry panel, providing potential important information as to the health of the kidney in both sick animals as well as with preventive care testing."

"While the new test will not generate any material incremental revenue for IDEXX in 2015, we believe that SDMA, over time, will highly differentiate our diagnostic offering by becoming a standard of care, augment IDEXX customer loyalty, and expand the utilization of chemistry testing. This in turn will support the continued sustained growth for years to come in IDEXX's recurring diagnostic revenue," continued Ayers.  

"We expect to begin trials with several hundred customers in North America by the end of this quarter, and to roll out the test as part of the standard chemistry panel in the North American market this summer. A roll-out in our global reference lab network will extend into 2016."

IDEXX unveiled the new test innovation at the North American Veterinary Conference, taking place this week in Orlando.

Those wishing  to learn more about the technology and treatment protocols can visit www.idexx.com/sdma.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements because actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied. The reports filed by the Company pursuant to United States securities laws contain discussions of these risks and uncertainties. The Company assumes no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are advised to review the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (which are available from the SEC's EDGAR database at www.sec.gov, at various SEC reference facilities in the United States and via the Company's website at www.idexx.com).

About IDEXX Laboratories
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is a leader in pet healthcare innovation, serving practicing veterinarians around the world with a broad range of diagnostic and information technology-based products and services. IDEXX products enhance the ability of veterinarians to provide advanced medical care, improve staff efficiency and to build more economically successful practices. IDEXX is also a worldwide leader in providing livestock and poultry diagnostic tests and tests for the quality and safety of water and milk. Headquartered in Maine, IDEXX Laboratories employs more than 6,000 people and offers products to customers in more than 175 countries.

Contact: Ed Garber, Director, Investor Relations, 1-207-556-8155

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SOURCE IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.

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http://www.idexx.com