PreMD's skin test finds CV risk in the asymptomatic

Canada's PreMD says that its novel non-invasive skin cholesterol test has demonstrated the ability to detect risk of cardiovascular disease in asymptomatic subjects, according to new data presented at the annual scientific sessions of the American Heart Association, in Orlando, Florida. This study marks the largest clinical trial to date to evaluate levels of skin cholesterol in asymptomatic individuals, and the results support the usefulness of non-invasive skin cholesterol measurements for cardiovascular disease risk assessment, according to the firm.

The findings of the PASA Study showed that skin cholesterol content, as measured by PreMD's skin cholesterol test, was associated with carotid intima-media thickness and the presence of carotid plaque. This association was observed in subjects across all ranges of cardiovascular risk, particularly in those at low and intermediate danger, based on traditional risk factors. CIMT and carotid plaque are both well-established markers for risk of future heart attack and stroke, PreMD noted.

Brent Norton, chief executive of PreMD, said: "these very important data support the utility of our skin cholesterol test as part of cardiovascular risk assessment for asymptomatic subjects. We anticipate that these findings will help us obtain broader clearance with the US Food and Drug Administration on our skin cholesterol test."