The PLAC® Test for Lp-PLA2

The PLAC test is the first ever FDA-approved blood test for identifying stroke risk. The test measures levels of Lp-PLA2, or lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, an enzyme with a unique mechanism of action causal in the formation of vulnerable, rupture-prone plaque. Plaque rupture is the major cause of both heart attack and stroke. The PLAC test is a cardiovascular risk stratification tool to identify those patients who should be targeted with the most aggressive treatment strategies to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack.

Multiple large epidemiological studies have shown Lp-PLA2 to have clinical value in the assessment of CHD and stroke risk. Individuals with elevated levels of Lp-PLA2 have been shown to have a two-fold greater risk of suffering a coronary event or stroke, independent of traditional risk factors. Studies have also found that patients with the lowest levels of Lp-PLA2 have significantly lower incidence of secondary cardiovascular events than those patients with elevated levels.

Once a patient is identified as being high risk for stroke or heart attack based on elevated Lp-PLA2 levels, there are a number of lifestyle and therapeutic interventions that can be done to reduce that risk. A number of medications shown to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease have also been shown to lower Lp-PLA2 levels, including statins, fibrates and niacin. Additionally, GlaxoSmithKline is currently developing a small molecule inhibitor to directly target Lp-PLA2 as a potential anti-atherosclerotic therapy.

diaDexus is currently marketing the PLAC test through multiple clinical reference nationwide. For more information on the PLAC test for Lp-PLA2, visit www.plactest.com.