Atherotech receives patent for ApoB measurement for determining heart disease risk

Atherotech, Inc., developer of the VAP Cholesterol Test, has announced it has received a patent on its method to derive and report apolipoprotein B100 (apoB) using the Vertical Auto Profile (VAP) technology. The patent recognizes the unique ability of the VAP Cholesterol Test to accurately report apoB, the next milestone in heart disease risk assessment.

The patent, issued April 21, 2009, states that Atherotech provides a "system and method that measures the concentration of apoB without requiring a separate apoB specific test." Atherotech added apoB measurement to its VAP Test in 2007 and has since reported more than 1 million apoB results. The VAP Test is the only single cholesterol test that routinely reports apoB.

ApoB is a protein found on all atherogenic (bad) lipoproteins present in blood circulation, and elevated apoB values represent increased risk for heart disease. In numerous well-designed prospective studies, apoB has been shown to be superior to LDL cholesterol in predicting cardiovascular events and in following the progression of heart disease. ApoB is particularly valuable in hypertriglyceridemic and insulin-resistant states where LDL levels would be falsely reassuring and not representative of true atherosclerotic particle burden.

"ApoB is much more predictive of risk than LDL," noted Michael Cobble, M.D., director of Canyons Medical Center in Sandy, Utah. Cobble is a primary care physician, board-certified lipidologist and certified hypertension specialist. "It aligns with non-HDL and VLDL more accurately and is an important treatment target recently confirmed by both the American College of Cardiology and the American Diabetes Association."

People with a family history or an existing condition of diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease - or who are already taking cholesterol lowering medication - are candidates for the comprehensive VAP Test, according to Atherotech President Mike Mullen.

"The single VAP Test reports over 20 separate values, including apoB, eliminating the need for nine separate tests that would have to be run in a typical laboratory setting," commented Mullen. "The VAP Test is now well positioned to be the market leader in advanced lipid testing. It has the comprehensive lipid reporting that an increasing number of physicians and practices are requesting without the added cost, which fits nicely in our current economic and health care environment."

Mullen said the patent should have a positive impact on his company's business.

"We expect to see an increase in orders for our VAP Test because of its clinically validated ability to accurately report apoB and because it is quickly becoming more of a standard in determining heart disease risk in cholesterol testing."

The VAP Test is available nationwide and covered by most insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid. For more information call 877.901.8510 or visit www.thevaptest.com.