Lilly (LLY) Alzheimer's Test Approved by FDA

A much-anticipated test developed by Eli Lilly, LLY , that detects the presence of proteins in the brain that are related to Alzheimer's disease was approved Friday by the Food and Drug Administration.

The tool could enable clinicians to detect Alzheimer's earlier and more accurately in patients at the earliest sign of memory problems—a potential boon to treatment and developing drugs against the disease.

The test uses a chemical called florbetapir, known by the brand name Amyvid, which is a radioactive agent that tags clumps of a sticky substance called an amyloid. Amyloid proteins are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. The chemical, which costs $1,600 per dose, then is detected using a brain imaging technique called positron emission tomography, known as PET scans.
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Morning Journal Out of Control Deficits

Economics
This Week’s Data

The International Council of Shopping Centers reported weekly sales of major retailers down 2.3% versus the prior week but up 3.8% versus the comparable period a year ago--the poor weekly number is related to seasonal (Black Friday) factors; Redbook Research reported month to date retail chain store sales were up 3.2% on a year over year basis.

In the week following Thanksgiving, weekly mortgage applications bounced back, up 12.8% while purchase applications rose 8.3%.