In line with Q-linea’s strategy to extend the commercial footprint in the USA the formation of an US legal entity Q-linea Inc., Jim Kathrein has joined the company to lead the local organisation and build Q-linea’s commercial team in the USA. Jim will also actively participate in partnership discussions to further extend Q-linea’s footprint and reach in the USA.

“Since the US is considered our top priority market for the coming years, it is great to see Jim coming on board with over 15 years of experience leading commercial teams in pioneering new innovation into the infectious disease/microbiology clinical space. Jim has held senior commercial roles in several prominent companies within our field, such as Biofire and bioMérieux and he will be a great person to build momentum and our commercial operations in USA. I am convinced he will be a key driver for the success of ASTar® and Q-linea” says Jonas Jarvius, CEO & President at Q-linea.

Jim Kathrein added: ” I am excited to join Q-linea as VP of US Commercial Operations. Q-linea offers a solution for improving sepsis treatment through next generation rapid AST automation capable of greatly reducing testing result times allowing clinicians to optimize patient therapy while potentially reducing AMR. The US sees approximately 600,000 bloodstream infections (BSI’s) each year with mortality rates reaching 35,000 and growing. The estimated cost to the healthcare system exceeds $20B annually. I believe Q-linea has the ability to make a huge impact to improve patient safety and outcomes, reduce cost to the healthcare system while reducing AMR. I truly believe that we ‘make a difference tomorrow by being the difference each today’ and why I am happy to help introduce Q-linea to the US market.”

About ASTar Instrument and ASTar BC G- Kit
ASTar Instrument and ASTar BC G- Kit already deliver the broadest answer regarding the combination of the number of antibiotics and the number of double dilution steps of each antibiotic, in a single analysis for gram-negative bacteria. The test enables the analysis of gram-negative bacteria, including difficult-to-grow so-called fastidious bacteria, which satisfies the need for rapid and comprehensive results to support optimal treatment decisions.

ASTar Instrument and ASTar BC G- Kit are CE-marked but not FDA 510(k)-cleared and not available for sale in the United States.