Abbott will develop the galectin-3 diagnostic on its i-STAT® System.
BG Medicine and Abbott Laboratories are expanding their arrangement to include the development of a galectin-3 test for Abbott Point of Care’s i-STAT® System. Galectin-3 has been identified as a biomarker for the development and progression of heart failure.
Under the agreement, Abbott will be responsible for the development of the test in accordance with certain plans and milestones. The companies will work together on regulatory filings and studies to support the clinical utility of galectin-3 in the management of patients with acute decompensated heart failure.
The i-STAT System is a handheld diagnostic tool that provides real-time lab-quality results within minutes, according to Abbott. It features single-use test cartridges that can reportedly be used to perform a broad menu of critical care tests including cardiac markers, blood gases, chemistries and electrolytes, lactate, coagulation, and hematology.
The original deal between the firms, signed in November 2009, covered the development and commercialization of a galectin-3 assay for Abbott’s Architect immunochemistry platform. Specifically the assay will be developed for the company’s i1000SR and i2000SR instruments.
