ZACKS·2025-12-16 17:41Core Insights - Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) is expanding its respiratory and sexually transmitted infection diagnostics portfolio in Europe following the IVDR certification of two VIASURE assays for the BD MAX System, aimed at enhancing its molecular testing capabilities [1][8] Group 1: Product Expansion - The newly approved tests include a respiratory virus test that can simultaneously identify COVID-19, flu, and RSV using a single nose swab, and an HSV and syphilis test that detects herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and syphilis bacteria from swabs taken from infected areas [2][8] - The expanded range of tests on the BD MAX system reflects the company's commitment to providing clinically useful molecular tests for respiratory infections and STIs, enhancing diagnostic solutions [3][10] Group 2: Market Impact - Following the announcement, BDX shares declined by 0.4%, but over the past six months, the stock has increased by 16.3%, outperforming the industry growth of 13.9% and the S&P 500's rise of 15.5% [4] - The expansion of the testing menu supports BDX's diagnostics growth strategy by increasing the utility and competitiveness of the BD MAX System in European markets, which is expected to deepen customer reliance and support recurring revenues [5][10] Group 3: Industry Prospects - The molecular diagnostics market is projected to be valued at $45.11 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 3.8% through 2034, driven by factors such as an aging population and rising incidences of various diseases [11]