Banyan Biomarkers asserted that the U.S FDA has extended De Novo request for the commercialization of Banyan BTI Brain Trauma Indicator), an in vitro diagnostic blood test to aid in the evaluation of patients with suspected TBI, also known as concussion.
FDA reviewed the test under the Breakthrough Devices Program, which is intended to facilitate the development and expedite the review of innovative breakthrough technologies.
Banyan BTI identifies two brain-specific protein biomarkers (Ubiquitin Carboxy-terminal Hydrolase-L1 or UCH-L1 and Glial Fibrilliary Acidic Protein or GFAP) that rapidly appear in the blood after a brain injury, providing objective information to assess patients with suspected mild TBI.
Henry L. Nordhoff, Chairman and CEO of Banyan Biomarkers said “Receiving marketing authorization from the FDA for the first blood test for TBI is a significant milestone that will transform how brain injury is managed. We are honored to have as our partner, the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, for supporting the research and development of a diagnostic test that now provides objective quantifiable information to physicians, to eliminate unnecessary CT scans, and guide patient care.”
Automobile accidents, falls, sports-related injuries, assaults, and, in the military, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and combat wounds are common causes of TBI. The U.S. Center for Disease Control estimates there are more than 2.5 million emergency room visits in the United States as a result of head injuries and TBI is an economic burden of more than $76 billion annually on the healthcare system.
The CT scan is routinely used to assist physicians in the evaluation of TBI. However, the use of CT scans is highly variable especially in the face of significant trauma with minimal symptoms. Lacking an approved biomarker to guide decision making, the default for physicians was to obtain a CT scan. More than 90 percent of patients presenting to the emergency department with mild TBI or concussion, have a negative CT scan.