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Revolutionary Hepatitis C Test Gains FDA Approval for Easier Diagnosis

Published: 7/10/2024
      
Hepatitis C
FDA approval
Xpert HCV test
DCN Dx
Cepheid
diagnostic test
point-of-care
NIH
ITAP program
public health

Key Takeaways

  • FDA approves new Hepatitis C test for quicker diagnosis.
  • DCN Dx provided critical research support for the test.
  • The test offers results in under an hour using a fingerstick blood sample.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the new Xpert HCV test can diagnose Hepatitis C in less than an hour with just a fingerstick blood sample?

FDA Greenlights New Hepatitis C Test

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new, groundbreaking test for diagnosing Hepatitis C, making the process faster and more accessible. The innovative Xpert HCV test, developed by Cepheid with clinical backing from DCN Dx, offers results in less than an hour using a simple fingerstick blood sample.

This test's quick turnaround time is expected to streamline the diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C, significantly reducing the necessity for multiple clinic visits. This is especially crucial for patients who often delay or miss follow-up appointments.

Clinical Research and Collaboration

The study and development of the Xpert HCV test were supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)'s Independent Test Assessment Program (ITAP) in collaboration with the FDA. These efforts are part of a larger initiative to make accurate and reliable diagnostic tests readily available to the public.

DCN Dx, a leader in medical diagnostic services, provided crucial clinical research support for this project. Their team collaborated closely with Cepheid and multiple clinical sites to gather the necessary data and documentation for the FDA's review process.

Impact on Public Health

According to Scott Campbell, Senior Vice President at Cepheid, the collaboration with DCN Dx and the NIH-FDA ITAP program was vital for obtaining FDA authorization. He emphasized the importance of such partnerships in advancing public health.

Charlie Mamrak, CEO of DCN Dx, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating that the new test will greatly enhance Hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment accessibility. This milestone is seen as a crucial step in improving patient outcomes and combating the spread of the virus.

Future of Diagnostic Testing

Emily Friedland, Vice President of Clinical Research at DCN Dx, expressed pride in her team's contribution to bringing this innovative test to the market. She reaffirmed the company's dedication to advancing diagnostic solutions that improve patient care.

DCN Dx aims to continue pioneering in the field of diagnostic testing, supporting the development of new technologies that can offer quick, reliable results and meet the growing needs of healthcare providers and patients.

The successful authorization of the Xpert HCV test is expected to set a precedent for future diagnostic tools, making advanced healthcare solutions more readily available and efficient.

About DCN Dx

Based in Carlsbad, California, DCN Dx is a global leader in in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) and clinical research services. They specialize in creating custom assay systems, consumables, and instruments for diverse applications, particularly in lateral flow assays.

DCN Dx excels in planning and executing clinical trials for any IVD device, offering comprehensive services such as clinical operations, data management, and biostatistics.

References

  1. FDA News Release
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-grants-de-novo-authorization-xpert-hcv-test
  2. NIH Independent Test Assessment Program
    https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-fda-launch-itap-support-regulatory-review-tests
  3. DCN Dx Official Website
    https://dcndx.com/