Malvern biotechnology company Fujirebio Diagnostics has developed a revolutionary new test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, writes Harold Brubaker for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Previously, FDA-approved Alzheimer’s diagnostic tools have relied on brain scans and spinal fluid samples.
Fujirebio’s remarkable new method uses a simple blood test, making the testing process much more accessible to patients.
As the first FDA-approved blood test specifically made to diagnose Alzheimer’s, it identifies a specific kind of brain plaque that is an early indicator of the disease. The test also helps identify patients who might benefit from certain drugs and Alzheimer’s treatments.
On May 16, the test was approved by the FDA for patients aged 55 and older.
Fujirebio Diagnostics currently has 351 employees in their Malvern location, which has been in operation since 1998.
In development, Fujirebio employees identified which active components in the blood test will effectively identify markers of Alzheimer’s. They also assessed values needed to indicate a positive test result.
As Alzheimer’s disease affects roughly six million people across the country, the Malvern company’s inventive new technology is set to help patients nationwide access the care they need.
Read more about Fujirebio Diagnostics and the company’s new Alzheimer’s diagnostic technology in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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