Ark secures Neuropad reimbursement

Ark Therapeutics has announced it has successfully secured reimbursement from the NHS Business Services Authority for its Neuropad diagnostic test.

It said primary care promotion for its tool to detect early-stage peripheral autonomic neuropathy in the feet of diabetic patients would start at the beginning of November 2008.

Ark added the Neuropad is the first product of its diagnostic class to be made available on prescription via the NHS.

It has a listing in the drug tariff at a price of just under seven pounds and will be marketed through the existing UK salesforce of the company.

The firm noted existing screening tools for the early detection of diabetic foot syndrome rely on the skill of the healthcare professional and a subjective response from patients, while its own test can detect small fibres much earlier in the disease process, even when patients are asymptomatic.

Cecile Miles, commercial director of Ark, said: “This is very good news for our growing wound care business.

“Since Neuropad is very sensitive and able to detect early neuropathy, we believe it will have a significant impact on the quality of diabetic foot screening available to patients.”

He added the device will reduce the amount of patient suffering, while also lowering the clinical and cost burden of diabetic ulcers to the health service.

In June 2007, Ark Therapeutics announced the UK launch of its Kerraped wound protection product for the feet following an agreement of a pricing structure with the NHS Business Service Authority.