LabCorp Introduces New ADAMTS13 Test for Rare Life-Threatening Blood Clot Disorder
July 19 2017 - 8:45AM
Business Wire
LabCorp’s Proprietary Assay Offers Faster, More
Accurate Diagnosis to Help Patients Receive Most-Appropriate
Therapy
LabCorp® (NYSE: LH) has begun offering its new, proprietary
ADAMTS13 test to distinguish diseases characterized by
life-threatening, acute thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). TMA is a
relatively rare but serious syndrome in which small blood vessels
develop blood clots, which result in the mechanical destruction of
red blood cells. TMA can result from one or more of several medical
conditions and medications. If left untreated, some of the
conditions that cause TMA, including most significantly thrombotic
thrombocytopenia purpura (TTP), can result in organ failure and/or
death. Because of that risk, patients with TMA are often started on
an expensive and time-consuming treatment for TTP while awaiting
the return of test results that can help to confirm the cause of
their TMA. This therapy, known as plasma exchange, involves
replacing the patient’s plasma with plasma from multiple blood
donors, a process that takes several hours each day and must be
repeated daily for typically two weeks. Plasma exchange is,
however, unnecessary for TMA patients who do not have TTP, and
treating them with plasma replacement increases the cost of care,
delays their receipt of appropriate treatment, and needlessly
burdens the limited supply of donated plasma. LabCorp’s new
ADAMTS13 test can provide faster, more accurate results than other
available tests, to rule in or out the diagnosis of TTP and to
support the earlier institution of appropriate, life-saving
therapies.
“TTP is an extremely serious disease that can have a
devastating, often-fatal effect if not treated rapidly,” said Mark
E. Brecher, M.D., chief medical officer of LabCorp Diagnostics.
“For patients experiencing symptoms of TMA, LabCorp’s new ADAMTS13
test can help to more quickly and accurately identify patients with
TTP who require immediate intervention with plasma exchange
therapy, and those whose TMA is likely not attributable to TTP for
whom other, less costly and more appropriate, treatments may be
indicated.”
LabCorp’s ADAMTS13 test is performed using new liquid
chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technology. It
was developed and validated by LabCorp’s in-house team of
scientists and technical specialists. Other available tests for
ADAMTS13 activity are fluorescence-based assays. Compared to those
options, LabCorp’s ADAMTS13 assay offers significant improvements
in sensitivity, in consistency of results when testing is performed
over time; and in reduced interference from increased levels of
bilirubin, which is a common issue with comparable
fluorescence-based assays. Importantly, due to the greater
cost-efficiency of the LC-MS/MS technology, LabCorp’s test will be
performed daily, seven days per week, compared to only three days
per week for existing assays. Results for LabCorp’s ADAMTS13 test
will usually be available the same day if the specimen is received
in the laboratory by 10:30 a.m. Eastern time.
“The ADAMTS13 test is an important tool for the diagnosis and
treatment of a rare but potentially life-threatening condition,”
said Gary M. Huff, CEO of LabCorp Diagnostics. “This assay
represents an opportunity to provide patients with the appropriate
treatment and to avoid treatments that are costly and unnecessary,
and it demonstrates how LabCorp’s scientific and technical
expertise can improve health and improve lives while helping to
reduce the costs of care.”
About LabCorp
LabCorp (NYSE: LH), an S&P 500 company, is a leading global
life sciences company that is deeply integrated in guiding patient
care, providing comprehensive clinical laboratory and end-to-end
drug development services. With a mission to improve health and
improve lives, LabCorp delivers world-class diagnostic solutions,
brings innovative medicines to patients faster and uses technology
to improve the delivery of care. LabCorp reported net revenues of
nearly $9.5 billion for 2016 through the contributions of 52,000
employees in approximately 60 countries. To learn more about
LabCorp, visit www.labcorp.com, and to learn more about Covance
Drug Development, visit www.covance.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements including
with respect to estimated 2017 guidance and the impact of various
factors on operating and financial results. Each of the
forward-looking statements is subject to change based on various
important factors, including without limitation, competitive
actions in the marketplace, and adverse actions of governmental and
other third-party payers. Actual results could differ materially
from those suggested by these forward-looking statements. The
Company has no obligation to provide any updates to these
forward-looking statements even if its expectations change. Further
information on potential factors that could affect operating and
financial results is included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2016, and subsequent Forms 10-Q, including
in each case under the heading risk factors, and in the Company’s
other filings with the SEC. The information in this press release
should be read in conjunction with a review of the Company’s
filings with the SEC including the information in the Company’s
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and subsequent
Forms 10-Q, under the heading MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
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LabCorpMedia:Donald Von Hagen,
336-436-8263Media@labcorp.comorInvestors:Scott Frommer,
336-436-5076Investor@labcorp.com
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