In Vivo summarizes the technologies of several recently founded companies: Ardais Corp., is creating information products from consolidating high-quality, reliable biological samples and related information for use in drug discovery and development. BeneCor Heart Systems was founded in September 1999 to develop and commercialize a totally implantable, permanent heart replacement device. Chronix Biomedical will focus on the diagnosis and management of chronic diseases by detecting what it calls "reshuffled genes," the detours the human genome map takes when confronted with viruses or other toxins. Founded in July 1999 by a group of former Columbia University physicians and scientists, MediData Solutions Inc. will offer new software and technology for managing clinical trials. Spiration is developing devices to treat pulmonary diseases, in particular chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), for which no cure exists.

Calypte Biomedical just got approval for a urine-based HIV-1 confirmatory test, showing unbelievers that urine-based assays can be as sensitive--and even more sensitive--than traditional blood-based tests. Since the test's less dangerous for health care workers to handle, the company expects its fortunes to improve dramatically.

The CEOs that took diagnostics companies public in the 1990s came from firms big and small, with much experience or none at all. The energy they bring to these jobs may matter more than particular skill sets.

The turbulence that began roiling the stock market in May and which by July had pulled down the prices of almost all technology stocks, hurt diagnostics companies as much as anyone else in the health care industry. But a look at the numbers behind these often ignored or maligned firms show they have fared better than most.