Laura James hopes the final phase of research will lead to FDA approval of the rapid test. Credit: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in the US has commenced the final study of the first rapid diagnostic test for acetaminophen toxicity, after securing a grant of $3.2m.

The most common drug intended for fever and pain, Acetaminophen is also said to be the most common cause of liver failure in the US.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The three-year National Institutes of Health (NIH) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant will enable the inventors of the test, Laura James (MD), Jack Hinson (PhD) and Dean Roberts (PhD) from UAMS, to carry out the study’s final phase.

This phase will include the final development of the new AcetaSTAT blood test as well as a multisite clinical trial to assess its performance.

AcetaSTAT is a rapid assay for diagnosing acetaminophen liver injury. It is capable of detecting blood markers for injury from an overdose of the drug in about 20 minutes.

Acetaminophen Toxicity Diagnostics (ATD) developed the new laboratory test along with UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center liver disease specialist William Lee is one of the trial’s co-investigators and was involved in the earlier testing of the assay.

Lee said: “I have been impressed that the assay provides a reliable yes/no answer as to whether acetaminophen is responsible for the liver injury.

“I look forward to seeing AcetaSTAT being available in any Emergency Department worldwide. Having the test will ensure that more patients receive the right diagnosis and appropriate treatment.”

James assembled an interdisciplinary team, across multiple centres, to carry out the clinical trial of the test.

UAMS plans to seek approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the blood test.