The United Arab Emirates Ministry (UAE) of Health and Prevention has approved Biomerica's Fortel Kidney Disease Test for sale.

This authorisation facilitates the distribution of the test in the UAE, a region grappling with a high incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

According to the company, this diagnostic device delivers outcomes within ten minutes from a urine sample.

It detects minute levels of microalbumin, thus allowing for the early identification of CKD.

Individuals with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and those above 65 years are particularly susceptible to CKD and would benefit from regular testing, stated the company.

Biomerica noted that globally, CKD is a largely unrecognised public health issue, with over 80% of individuals at risk remaining undiagnosed.

It is associated with an increased risk of major non-communicable diseases and is expected to become the fifth leading cause of years of life lost by 2040.

Early identification of this condition is crucial as it allows for interventions that can decelerate or prevent the progression to end-stage renal disease, which would necessitate dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Early diagnosis not only decreases morbidity and death but also lessens the significant economic impact of the disease.

The latest approval in the UAE builds upon the company’s expanding footprint in the Middle East region, which includes the introduction of its EZ Detect Colon Disease Test and other diagnostic solutions.

The company has forged collaborations with healthcare providers and local distributors to ensure the availability of the Fortel Test throughout the region.

Biomerica CEO Zack Irani said: “The Fortel Kidney Disease Test addresses a critical need in preventative healthcare by allowing the possible detection of kidney disease before symptoms appear.

“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.”

This January, the company secured approval from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) for the Fortel prostate-specific antigen screening test used in the early identification of prostate cancer.