Fresenius' Latest Offering
Fresenius Medical Care North America (:FMCNA), a part of the world's largest dialysis company Fresenius Medical Care (FMS), recently reported the commercialization of UFComplete, which is a composite fluid-management setup for victims of congestive heart failure. This endeavor will be managed by FMCNA’s own employees in conjunction with medical practitioners at each hospital. It amalgamates less expensive residential monitoring with ultrafiltration treatment.
Ultrafiltration therapy is able to reduce a patient’s surplus water and salt levels when standard therapy does not yield results. Under UFComplete, following their discharge from hospital, patients receive three month’s of follow-up care, including nursing attention on the phone. Medical practitioners get timely warnings of symptoms of heart failure, which allows them to intervene speedily. In addition, FMCNA collaborates with hospital nurses to devise educational programs to promote exercise, avoidance of salt, etc.
Fresenius is the largest provider of products and services for patients undergoing dialysis treatment on the planet. The company’s principal competitor in the U.S. is DaVita Inc. (DVA), which provides dialysis services for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure or end stage renal disease. Fresenius also competes with Baxter International (BAX) in certain niches such as the peritoneal dialysis products.
The company continues to register strong operating results in the North American as well as overseas markets. The integration of recent acquisitions is also expected to be accretive to Fresenius’ earnings in the near term. However, the contagion of economic problems remains a matter of concern. The company has engaged in cost controlling measures.
Almost five million people in the U.S. are afflicted by chronic heart failure each year. Surplus fluids may accumulate in the limbs and organs of patients. Chronic heart failure is a frequently occurring cause for hospital admission.
The stock currently retains a Zacks #4 Rank, which translates into a short-term Sell rating.
Read the Full Research Report on BAX
Read the Full Research Report on DVA
Read the Full Research Report on FMS
More From Zacks.com
