Better Diagnosis Of Acute Heart Failure Using Pronota's Novel Biomarker

Date: Apr-20-2013Two independent validation studies demonstrate that Pronota's biomarker CD146
significantly improves the diagnosis of acute heart failure for patients with shortness of
breath. The biomarker, measured in blood, provides clinicians with unique additional
information allowing better treatment of this challenging group of patients.

Current diagnosis for acute heart failure is limited

Current clinical practice for triaging patients with shortness of breath includes the
measurement of specific peptides (B-type natriuretic peptides: BNP or NT-proBNP). Despite
the widespread use of these biomarkers, there is still much room for improvement.
"Natriuretic peptides have become standard tools to support making the correct diagnosis
in patients with shortness of breath. However, clinicians clearly recognize the
limitations of natriuretic peptides. The potential value of another biomarker to improve
the diagnostic accuracy of BNP or NT-proBNP is considerable," commented Prof. J. Januzzi(Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School).

Pronota's novel heart failure marker for accurate diagnosis

Pronota identified the biomarker CD146 from an unbiased proteomics effort. Its
performance has now been confirmed in two independent studies totaling over 500 patients.

Prof. A. Mebazaa (INSERM, Paris, France), principal investigator for the validation
studies, commented: "It is exciting to see that novel biomarkers with underlying
biological processes completely different from currently used biomarkers can still be
discovered and validated. This not only provides more insight into the underlying disease
mechanism, it also gives the physician tools to improve the management and care of heart
failure patients. Pronota's approach in this respect is unique and has proven to deliver
on numerous occasions."

Launch forecast: 2014

"Data from early verification and marker characterization studies were already highly
exciting, but the recent independent validation studies exceeded our expectations and
would not have been possible without the support of our network of key opinion leaders in
the field," commented Katleen Verleysen, CEO of Pronota NV. "We anticipate launching this
product in 2014, so that clinicians may get access to the tools they need to improve the
treatment and care of their patients."

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.