Life science manufacturing company Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched a laboratory-developed test for post-transplant biopsy assessment designed to improve the detection of lung transplant rejection and injury.
The intention is for the test, called the Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System for Lung (MMDx Lung), to deliver quantifiable results that increase diagnostic confidence and guide timely treatment.
"The launch of MMDx Lung enhances our comprehensive portfolio of post-transplant monitoring solutions and reflects our ongoing commitment to helping our customers personalise patient care and improve outcomes throughout the transplant journey," said president, transplant diagnostics, Thermo Fisher Scientific Tina Liedtky.
Traditionally, when assessing the same lung biopsy sample, research shows that only 18% of pathologists can agree on a diagnosis of acute rejection.
MMDx Lung uses machine learning to profile gene expression data from lung biopsies, comparing each new sample to a reference set of over 896 lung biopsies. It then assesses the probability of rejection and provides molecular scores associated with injury, graft dysfunction and rejection.
Over the past decade, the number of annual lung transplants has nearly doubled in the USA alone. Although medical technology has evolved rapidly, lung transplant recipients still experience higher rates of rejection than solid organ transplant recipients.