Abbott launches KIF6 diagnostic test in Europe

Abbott has announced the launch of a new KIF6 diagnostic test that can be used to determine patients' cardiovascular disease risk factors.

The genotyping assay has received CE-marking approval and is manufactured by Celera Corporation, with Abbott distributing the product in Europe in accordance with an agreement signed in September last year.

It is intended for use with the m2000 instrument system and screens for the presence of the pharmacogenetic KIF6 biomarker, which is associated with a lower risk of coronary events among patients undergoing statin therapy.

Dr Herbert Schuster, a geneticist and preventive cardiologist based in Berlin, said: "Carriers of the variant will significantly benefit from statin therapy and are more likely to benefit from continuous therapy."

Abbott and Celera's distribution arrangement will run for four years and will cover all regions that recognise the CE mark standard, as well as certain other territories excluding the US.

Earlier this month, Abbott released a Biothreat Assay for the PLEX-ID identification system, which facilitates the detection of dangerous microorganisms and pathogens in various samples.