Labcorp Launches New Test to Identify and Confirm Neurodegenerative Disease

Rhea-AI Summary

Labcorp (NYSE: LH) has launched a new Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) blood test, marking the first widely accessible diagnostic tool for detecting neurodegeneration and neuronal injury. This test can help identify conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and brain injuries, like concussions. The blood test aims to facilitate faster diagnoses and improve treatment decisions, benefiting millions of patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. It is now available at hospitals, physicians’ offices, or Labcorp’s nearly 2,000 service centers.

Positive

• Launch of the Neurofilament Light Chain test enhances diagnostic capabilities for neurodegenerative diseases.
• The test allows for early detection of conditions like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's, improving patient care.
• Direct evidence of neuronal damage helps physicians make more informed treatment decisions.

Negative

• None.

Test Measures Key Biomarker Associated with Neuronal Damage; Assists in Diagnosis of Diseases Including Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Concussions

BURLINGTON, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Labcorp (NYSE: LH), a leading global life sciences company, today announced the launch of the first widely accessible test that provides direct evidence of neurodegeneration and neuronal injury. The new Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) blood test will allow doctors to identify and verify signs of neurodegenerative disease, enabling physicians to provide a more effective and efficient path to diagnosis and treatment for patients. Elevated NfL levels signal neuronal injury, whether from diseases like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, or from brain injury, such as with concussion.

Photo courtesy of Labcorp

“NfL is a simple, objective blood test that provides direct evidence of neuronal damage,” said Dr. Brian Caveney, chief medical officer and President, Labcorp Diagnostics. “In making this test widely available, Labcorp is supporting neurologists with a tool they’ve been asking for that enables faster diagnoses, better treatment decisions and improved patient care. It’s a major step forward in the monitoring and identification of patients with neuronal injury due to disease or trauma.”

Neurological disease presents in many forms, and today, confirmation of disease is often complex and challenging. When neurons are damaged, proteins called neurofilaments are released and are detectable in blood. One of three main neurofilament types, NfL has been the most widely studied in research settings, but a reliable NfL test has not been widely available for patient care. Broad availability to physicians as part of their diagnostic toolbox is expected to provide significant benefits in supporting more effective diagnosis and treatment of many disorders.

“Importantly, NfL isn’t specific to one disease, but it is highly specific to neuronal damage from a wide variety of causes, from Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis to concussion and physical injury. This test will be impactful in helping many patients,” said Dr. Joseph Volpe, neurology business segment and discipline director at Labcorp. “Serial use of NfL testing can help doctors to follow trends that indicate the effectiveness of medicines or therapies, or whether there is continued injury or disease progression.”

The new NfL test is performed from a standard blood collection that can be done at a hospital, physician’s office or at any of Labcorp’s nearly 2,000 patient service centers. Launch and availability of the test demonstrates Labcorp’s commitment to neurology and to improving the health and lives of the millions afflicted by neurodegenerative and related diseases.

Health care providers will be able to order the test beginning today. More information on the NfL test is available at www.labcorp.com/nfl.

About Labcorp

Labcorp is a leading global life sciences company that provides vital information to help doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and patients make clear and confident decisions. Through our unparalleled diagnostics and drug development capabilities, we provide insights and accelerate innovations to improve health and improve lives. With over 75,000 employees, we serve clients in more than 100 countries. Labcorp (NYSE: LH) reported revenue of $16 billion in FY2021. Learn more about us at www.Labcorp.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @Labcorp.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements with respect to the clinical utility and expected performance of its Neurofilament Light Chain test.

The company has no obligation to provide any updates to forward-looking statements even if its expectations change. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Further information on potential factors, risks and uncertainties that could affect operating and financial results is included in the company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Forms 10-Q, including in each case under the heading RISK FACTORS, and in the company’s other filings with the SEC. The information in this presentation should be read in conjunction with a review of the company’s filings with the SEC including the information in the company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and subsequent Forms 10-Q, under the heading MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220713005453/en/

Media: Christopher Allman-Bradshaw — 336-436-8263

Media@Labcorp.com

Investors: Chas Cook — 336-436-5076

Investor@Labcorp.com

Source: Labcorp

FAQ

What is the new test launched by Labcorp (NYSE: LH)?

Labcorp has launched the Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) blood test for detecting neurodegeneration and neuronal injury.

How does the NfL test assist in diagnosing diseases?

The NfL test helps identify signs of neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson’s by measuring elevated levels of neurofilament proteins in the blood.

When is the NfL test available to healthcare providers?

Healthcare providers can begin ordering the NfL test starting today.

Where can patients get the NfL blood test?

Patients can get the NfL test at hospitals, physician’s offices, or any of Labcorp's nearly 2,000 patient service centers.

What impact does the NfL test have on patient care?

The NfL test facilitates faster diagnoses, better treatment decisions, and ultimately improves patient care for those with neurodegenerative diseases.