FDA Companion Test

A companion diagnostic device can be in vitro diagnostic device or an imaging tool that provides information that is essential for the safe and effective use of a corresponding therapeutic product.

Understanding FDA Companion Tests

A positive identification of a variant using an IVD companion diagnostic device indicates the use of a specific therapeutic product. The use of the IVD companion diagnostic is stipulated in the instructions for use in the labeling of both the diagnostic device and the corresponding therapeutic product, as well as in the labeling of any generic equivalents and biosimilar equivalents of the therapeutic product. A list of Cleared or Approved Companion Diagnostic Devices (In Vitro and Imaging Tools) can be found on the FDA website.

This list is distinct from the list of Nucleic Acid Based Tests, which provides a list of tests that analyze variations in the sequence, structure, or expression of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) in order to diagnose disease or medical conditions, infection with an identifiable pathogen, or determine genetic carrier status. Diagnostics listed on this list can be used for diagnosis of disease and potentially prognosis but are not associated with a specific targeted therapeutic for intervention.

Curating FDA Companion Tests

The Molecular Profile (variant) list(s) or definitions provided by the FDA should be used when determing if FDA Companion Tests are associated with Assertions. The checkbox for this label should only be selected if both the disease and the variant listed in the Assertion directly correlates with those listed by the FDA. The FDA Companion Test designation in CIViC is only relevant to Assertions where the Assertion Type is Predictive (therapeutic).