I would imagine with so many cord blood programs available to expectant parents, a few would be ripe for M & A. Couldn't tell you who, what,when, where but I will tell you that reproductive endocrinology/IVF has pretty much dried up as folks don't have disposable income at this particular point in time. Perhaps there is a parallel in cord blood storage market. In general, the overall market for Obstetrics has decreased by 15% in our state, not at all hospital specific. "Afford a cord" excellent idea IMO because we all believe in brighter days ahead. If it costs less on the front end and more as time goes on, I don't think that will deter people at all. On the other hand, in my personal opinion, I think coming up with marketable collection device is more or less the perview of a Baxter, or Covidien or medical supply company wanting to capitalize on a hot new procedure. The clinicians could live a very long life without it and you wouldn't believe how many "devices" for a variety of procedures making it easy for people at the bedside end up in the garbage, especially when it is part of customized packaging. If you are telling me that CBAI is developing this product to enhance their position in the cord blood market, I think their money would be better spent buying a struggling cord blood company. On the bright side, the product could be a good spinoff to a drug company who could take the next step and create an infusion of cash if they can target the correct buyer. All OB services are not the same and they are pretty good at identifying who needs what. All totally JMO and don't care to debate. If you don't agree, please disregard or put me on iggy. GLTU
AI
