The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the first in vitro diagnostic to help diagnose early Alzheimer’s disease. The agency said the test minimizes radiation risks to patients who otherwise would need to be tested with positron emission tomography (PET) scans.
On 4 May, FDA announced it has given the green light to Fujirebio Diagnostics’ de novo application for its Lumipulse G β-Amyloid Ratio (1-42/1-40) test, which is intended for patients ages 55 years and older who have shown cognitive impairment. The test also received breakthrough device designation, meaning it was able to get through an expedited review process for products with unmet need.
“The availability of an in vitro diagnostic test that can potentially eliminate the need for time-consuming and expensive PET scans is great news for individuals and families concerned with the possibility of an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis,” said Jeff Shuren, director of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). “With the Lumipulse test, there is a new option that can typically be completed the same day and can give doctors the same information regarding brain amyloid status, without the radiation risk, to help determine if a patient’s cognitive impairment is due to Alzheimer’s disease.”…
