The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Eli Lilly and company's radioactive diagnostic agent, Amyvid (Florbetapir F 18 Injection).
Amyvid is indicated for PET imaging of the brain to estimate beta-amyloid neuritic plaque density in adult patients with cognitive impairment, who are being evaluated for Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of cognitive decline.
Amyvid travels through the bloodstream into the brain, bind to amyloid plaques and produces a positron signal which is detected by a PET scanner to create a brain image.
A radiologist then interprets the image to assess for the presence or absence of amyloid plaques and sends this information to the referring physician, who then determines the next steps in the evaluation and management of the patient.
Duke University Medical Center Edward Coleman radiology professor said in conjunction with other tests, florbetapir may help give physicians additional information when evaluating patients for the cause of their cognitive decline.
Eli Lilly and company president Alex Azar said the company is working hard with its manufacturing partners to increase production of Amyvid and will notify the community as it becomes available in more markets.