O.C. Firms Make ‘Technology Fast 50’

Twelve biotechnology and medical firms, including four in Orange County, have made accounting and consulting firm Deloitte & Touche LLP’s list of the 50 fastest-growing technology companies in Orange and San Diego counties.

Only the software sector fared better, with 15 companies on the list.

Medical device maker Micro Therapeutics Inc. of Irvine led the way for Orange County, placing 11th, with 1,303% growth over the last five years.

The other Orange County biotech/medical firms on the list were medical and dental laser manufacturers BioLase Technology Inc. of San Clemente, 27th with 508% growth; MedCom USA Inc., an Irvine company that helps health care firms process transactions electronically, 44th with 222% growth, and I-Flow Corp., a Lake Forest developer of infusion systems, 49th with a 196% increase.

San Diego software developer ComGlobal Systems Inc. headed the list, logging revenue increases of 19,094% over five years. Online car shopping service Autobytel.com Inc. in Irvine was second at 14,607%.

To be considered for the 2000 Orange County/San Diego Technology Fast 50, companies must have been in business for at least five years, generating sales of at least $50,000 in 1995 and more than $1 million in 1999.

Marc Ballon covers the biomedical and biotechnology industry for The Times. He can be reached at (714) 966-7439 and at marc.ballon@latimes.com.