Sequenom
A regional player that isn't interested in most of the large European markets isn't exactly a major endorsement of the test. Signing up Roche or Novartis
Unfortunately, the lack of an endorsement comes at a critical time for the company. The study results testing the accuracy and sensitivity of MaterniT21 have been submitted to a scientific publication, but investors haven't seen the results yet. The company is waiting until publication before it launches its test.
Terms of the deal weren't disclosed, so it's hard to know how confident LifeCodexx is in the potential success of MaterniT21. LifeCodexx will make upfront and minimum annual royalty payments, but that doesn't tell you much without a dollar figure attached.
Last month, Sequenom announced a deal with Illumina
Investors won't be able to reap the full value of Sequenom -- whatever that happens to be -- until the study results are published. Even then, investors might be hesitant to invest until they see sales rolling in. Considering the history of the company, that might be a wise move.
Interested in keeping track of Sequenom as it launches it develops its Down syndrome test? Add it to My Watchlist, which will help you keep track of all our Foolish analysis on Sequenom.