The Binding Site's Freelite approved in Japan
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
The Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) has approved The Binding Site's Freelite assay. The test is used to detect and monitor multiple myeloma (MM) and related plasma cell disorders. Freelite measures levels of free light chains (molecular components of immunoglobulins) in serum, which are higher in patients with MM. Levels drop if a patient is responding well to treatment. Freelite has been approved in the US for diagnosing MM since 2001 and Birmingham, UK-based The Binding Site also markets the test in Europe. Meanwhile, the US National Comprehensive Cancer Network has recommended Freelite in its latest guidelines for the initial diagnostic workup of MM and related disorders.