Roche introduces cobas Hepatit... Note

Roche introduces cobas Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) test, the first fully automated diagnostic solution to identify the most severe form of viral hepatitis

Roche has introduced the cobas HDV test, a fully automated diagnostic tool for detecting and quantifying Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) RNA. This test is available for use on Roche's cobas 5800/6800/8800 systems in CE mark accepting countries. The cobas HDV test aims to address the urgent need for consistent and widely accessible HDV diagnostics. Hepatitis D is the most aggressive form of viral hepatitis, affecting nearly 12 million people globally. It often leads to severe liver damage, including liver failure and cancer, at a faster rate than other hepatitis types. The virus can only infect individuals who already have Hepatitis B. This can manifest as co-infection or a more dangerous super-infection. Previously, HDV testing was often limited to manual or inconsistent lab-developed methods. The new cobas HDV test is the first high-throughput, fully automated assay on the market, facilitating more effective patient identification and treatment monitoring. This advancement is particularly crucial as new treatments for HDV become available, requiring precise diagnostics for optimal patient care. The automated platforms allow for seamless integration into existing laboratory workflows, delivering accurate and timely results. This commitment from Roche aims to improve outcomes for individuals living with liver disease.