Agilus Diagnostics, in partnership with Sebia, has launched the Anti-MCV (anti–mutated citrullinated vimentin) antibody test in India. This cutting-edge diagnostic tool, developed by Sebia, offers improved accuracy in detecting rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—particularly in patients who test negative for conventional markers like anti-CCP and rheumatoid factor (RF).
Addressing the Need for Better RA Diagnostics
Rheumatoid arthritis affects nearly 0.5–1% of the Indian population, and its incidence is expected to rise with growing awareness and diagnostic advancements. The Anti-MCV test now provides Indian clinicians and patients access to high-precision diagnostics, bridging a critical gap in RA detection.
How the Anti-MCV Test Works
As per the press release, the Anti-MCV test identifies autoantibodies against a mutated form of the vimentin protein, which is frequently present in the synovial fluid of RA patients. This biomarker has demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, particularly in cases where traditional tests fall short. Notably, anti-MCV antibodies can be detected even in the absence of anti-CCP and RF, especially in symptomatic individuals. In many cases, anti-MCV positivity precedes the clinical onset of RA by up to 24 months, making it an essential tool for early diagnosis and preventive care—especially in individuals with a strong family history of RA.
Filling the Diagnostic Gap in RA
Dr. Deepak Sanghavi, Senior Vice President – Operations & Chief of the Mumbai Reference Lab at Agilus Diagnostics, highlighted the test’s significance:
At Agilus, we recognise that Anti-MCV fills a crucial diagnostic gap. Studies show it identifies 10–15% of RA cases that anti-CCP misses. When patients have persistent symptoms but test negative for both CCP and RF, clinicians can use anti-MCV as a valuable next step in the diagnostic process.
Stronger Diagnostic Accuracy with Combined Testing
Clinical evidence also supports using anti-MCV in conjunction with anti-CCP to enhance diagnostic sensitivity. This combined approach enables earlier and more reliable identification of RA—allowing timely therapeutic interventions that can significantly improve patient outcomes while preserving joint function.
Sebia and Agilus: A Shared Vision for Better Care
Dr. Siddhartha Sharma, Head – Clinical & Scientific Affairs at Sebia India, emphasized the importance of early intervention:
“Early detection of RA is critical to prevent irreversible joint damage and improve quality of life. We are proud to support Agilus in making the Anti-MCV test widely available to clinicians and patients across India.”
Advancing Autoimmune Diagnostics in India
This collaboration between Agilus Diagnostics and Sebia reinforces their shared commitment to innovation and quality. Together, they aim to deliver better outcomes in autoimmune disease care. By expanding access to advanced tools like the Anti-MCV test, they are empowering healthcare professionals to make faster, more accurate diagnoses. This, in turn, helps improve the standard of care for RA across India.