St. Jude To Launch Quadra CRT-D Sooner Than Expected?

Jefferies & Company has published a research report on St. Jude Medical STJ after the company talks suggested a sooner launch of its Quadra CRT-D device in the U.S. at the Boston AF Meeting. In the report, Jefferies writes "Several clinicians and industry reps we spoke with at the Boston AF Meeting expressed excitement over the pending U.S. launch of the Quadra platform. St. Jude has been relatively tight lipped about the timing of the Promote Quadra CRT-D and Quartet LV Lead in the U.S., but expectations appear to be for a late 2011 launch. The Promote Quadra system could reach the US market ahead of that schedule, with some physicians offering their expectations for a limited launch at HRS (early May) with a full rollout to follow. The company could provide an update at their national sales meeting (week of Jan 17) and a more thorough update on Quadra launch plans is likely at STJ's Analyst Day on February 4." Jefferies has raised the price target on St. Jude Medical from $46 to $49 and maintains its Buy rating. St. Jude Medical closed Friday at $41.47.