Roche Diagnostics India Unveils NT-proBNP Test for Diabetes Patients

This innovation aims to address the significant morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes-related CVD, particularly heart failure (HF).

Roche Diagnostics India has unveiled a new point-of-care NT-proBNP test designed to screen diabetes patients at risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). 

This innovation aims to address the significant morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes-related CVD, particularly heart failure (HF). 

The test, available exclusively on the cobas h 232 system, facilitates early detection and intervention, potentially revolutionizing patient care by enabling clinicians to identify high-risk T2D patients and initiate timely treatment discussions.

Sharing thoughts, Dr Rishubh Gupta, MD, Roche Diagnostics India & Neighbouring Markets, said, "The extended claim on our NT-proBNP test now available on our point-of-care system underscores our mission to empower clinicians with cutting-edge tools for early diagnosis and personalized patient care." 

Early Detection for Improved Patient Outcomes

The NT-proBNP test, incorporated into the cobas h 232 system, addresses a critical need in healthcare by facilitating early detection and intervention for high-risk Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. 

This development comes in response to the alarming statistics highlighting the significant morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes-related CVD. 

Driven by the imperative to enhance patient outcomes, the NT-proBNP biomarker extension on the cobas h 232 system empowers clinicians to identify individuals at heightened risk of HF, enabling timely treatment discussions and interventions.

Commenting on the test, Dr Sanjay Kalra, chief endocrinologist at Bharti Hospital, Karnal, India, said, "The incorporation of the NT-proBNP test extension onto convenient point-of-care platforms signifies a notable stride in diabetes care." Dr Kalra stressed the importance of proactive assessment in identifying heart failure risks among T2D patients, thereby fostering improved outcomes and bolstering patient well-being.

Diabetes poses a significant health risk globally, with patients facing heightened susceptibility to cardiovascular complications such as heart failure. Studies indicate that up to 46% of diabetic patients will develop CVD in their lifetime, accounting for about 50% of mortality in T2D patients. 

Alarmingly, approximately 30% of diabetic patients experience heart failure during their lifetime, leading to up to an 8x increased risk of mortality compared to those without heart failure.

Expanding Access to Healthcare Monitoring

In recent developments within the point-of-care industry, Mylab Discovery-backed healthtech Startup, Sanskritech, introduced Swandook, an ultra-portable health monitoring bag. Approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Swandook offers over 60 invasive and non-invasive health tests in real-time, addressing critical gaps in healthcare coverage, particularly in underserved areas.

Additionally, AstraZeneca Pharma signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Roche Diagnostics India to enhance diagnostic testing for breast cancer patients. The collaboration aims to streamline HER2 diagnostics, offering comprehensive training initiatives for pathologists and medical oncologists, ultimately improving treatment strategies for metastatic breast cancer patients in India.

Also, in July last year, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai introduced Total Lab Automation (TLA) powered by Roche Diagnostics, aimed at enhancing patient care through preventive healthcare measures. Total Lab Automation revolutionizes traditional laboratory processes, resulting in faster and more reliable test results, thus advancing healthcare delivery.