Galectin-3 Automated Test Available in U.S.

BG Medicine has launched the Architect Galectin-3 assay in the U.S., the Waltham, Mass., devicemaker said Monday.

The automated blood test is FDA-indicated for use in conjunction with clinical evaluation as an aid in assessing the prognosis of chronic heart failure patients.

The product relies on Abbott Park, Ill.-based Abbott Diagnostics’ Architect immunoassay analyzer and is being marketed through an agreement with that company, BG Medicine says.

The assay should improve access to galectin-3 testing, reduce turn-around time for delivery results and lead to increased testing, claims Dr. Paul R. Sohmer, BG Medicine president and CEO. — Jason Scott