Assay detects copeptin from a blood test.

Thermo Fisher Scientific’s diagnostic for myocardial infarction (MI) is now available in Europe. Copeptin, developed by recently acquired B.R.A.H.M.S., is a patented biomarker for AMI and is detectible using a simple blood test.

In combination with a troponin biomarker test, the copeptin assay permits doctors to rule out or confirm the onset of a heart attack within minutes, according to the company. Currently, physicians rely on an electrocardiogram in combination with Troponin, which in most patients with chest pain cannot indicate AMI until at least four hours after the onset of symptoms and requires additional testing after six to nine hours, Thermo Fisher Scientific adds.

Thermo Fisher is in the process of generating the data to support a 510(k) premarket application for the test in the U.S. It plans to submit the data at the end of 2010.

“We acquired B.R.A.H.M.S. to strengthen our specialty diagnostics offering, and today’s news demonstrates how quickly that investment is adding value to our technology portfolio,” notes Yuh-Geng Tsay, head of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s specialty diagnostics business.

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