Metra's channel proves a problem

Early revenues for Metra Biosystems Inc.'s biochemical markers of bone resorption and formation provided a timely reminder that developing novel markets - as opposed to selling new products into established markets - takes concerted educational effort.

MTRA (Mountain View, Calif.) revised its product revenue estimates downward for the fiscal year ending June 30. Revenues will be $1.4-$1.7 million for the quarter and $6.2-$6.6 million for the year. The company also said it expects product revenues for fiscal 1997 to range from $12-$14 million. MTRA's lead product, Pyrilinks-D, a bone resorption urine immunoassay, was approved in the U.S. last December...