http://venturebeat.disqus.com/News about Tech, Business and InnovationenWed, 06 Feb 2008 17:18:53 -0000http://venturebeat.com/2008/02/06/h-p-great-grandchild-alverix-raises-77m-for-portable-diagnostic-devices/#comment-14682628<p>hmm... my article / summary about EPOCAL, a microfluidics based blood test firm based on disposable wetted instrumented smart cards is here</p><p><a href="http://mark-nano.blogspot.com/2006/02/epocals-medical-lab-diagnostics-on.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" title="mark-nano.blogspot.com/2006/02/epocals-medical-lab-diagnostics-on.html">mark-nano.blogspot.com/2006...</a></p><p>What is a bit unique about Epocal is that rather than being a technology platform company ( make the technology and wait to find partners to bring to market ) Epocal, founded by Dr. Lauks, the founder of the firm i-Stat(later sold to Abbott) is making the active microfluidics based blood test cards, wireless based card readers (driving the microfluidics cards ), and the central hospital reporting computers with wireless networking. They apparently achieved FDA certification already, and are fielding the product independently, apparently with some growing success in clinical settings. The tests implemented on the cards are being expanded in repertoire.</p><p>A common business weakness with technology platform companies is slow market penetration, due to waiting for a partner. Here Epocal raised about $31m series C recently (approx #) and is marketing NOW to hospitals, not to partners, for real revenues it seems.</p>Mark WendmanWed, 06 Feb 2008 17:18:53 -0000