Biomerica, Inc. (NASDAQ: BMRA) shares began Wednesday in the hole. The Irvine, Calif.-based company, claiming to be a global provider of advanced diagnostic solutions, announced today announced that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Health and Prevention has approved its Fortel® Kidney Test for home use.
This important regulatory milestone expands access to accurate, easy-to-use diagnostic tools supporting early identification of kidney damage in high-risk populations.
The Fortel® Kidney Test is a rapid, 10-minute easy to use diagnostic test that detects low levels of albumin in urine, a critical early marker of kidney disease. The test is particularly valuable for people living with diabetes and hypertension, two of the leading risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Early detection provides an opportunity for timely medical intervention that can slow or prevent progression to kidney failure.
Diabetes affects approximately one in four UAE nationals, while a published meta-analysis found overall hypertension prevalence to be about 31%, with higher rates in men (43.9%) than women (34.5%). Both conditions are major contributors to CKD and often remain undiagnosed until significant kidney damage has occurred.
“The Fortel® Kidney Test addresses a gap in preventative healthcare by allowing patients and physicians to detect kidney disease before symptoms appear,” said Zack Irani, CEO of Biomerica. “With the high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in the UAE, this approval supports our mission to bring life-saving diagnostic tools to communities where they are most needed.”
BMRA shares dipped 31 cents, or 10.3%, to $2.69.
