tau imaging news adds an approved option for mapping tau tangles during Alzheimer's evaluations for adults with cognitive impairment. Tau PET is a brain scan that shows those tangles, and doctors can now consider it alongside exams and biomarkers to help stage disease.
Lantheus announced in its FDA approval announcement that FDA approved Tauklarify on Aug. 14, 2026 for this use. The tracer is florquinitau F 18, also called MK-6240, for PET of the brain to identify tau tangle pathology.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- What does the new tau tracer add?
- How well did it perform?
- Where do blood tests fit?
- What can you ask at the memory clinic?
What does the new tau tracer add?
Tau buildup tracks closely with memory loss and daily function. Amyloid scans show plaques, while tau scans show tangles in brain areas tied to thinking. Lantheus described the new scan as a complement to amyloid PET and clinical exams for staging and early-stage assessment.
In a head-to-head study, the same people received both Tauvid and MK-6240. Being Patient reported on the head-to-head comparison that MK-6240 found tangles earlier and separated Alzheimer-related impairment better. The reported scores were AUC 0.93 versus 0.86.
How well did it perform?
NeurologyLive summarized the approval study results from two blinded-read studies with more than 500 participants. Positive agreement ran 68 percent to 88 percent, while negative agreement ran 93 percent to 99 percent. Readers also showed strong agreement with each other, with safety data in 1,734 people.
Lantheus noted labeling limits use to suspected Alzheimer's disease. Safety and effectiveness are not established for other tau conditions. A scan alone neither confirms nor excludes the pathology.
Where do blood tests fit?
Roche Diagnostics announced in its blood test clearance notice that FDA cleared Elecsys pTau217 on Aug. 24, 2026. The test is the first single-biomarker blood test to support both rule-in and rule-out of amyloid pathology.
It is for ages 55 and older with cognitive complaints. Blood results can shape whether imaging adds value. A clear blood result plus exam findings may reduce the need for a scan. An unclear or borderline result may make staging questions more pressing.
What can you ask at the memory clinic?
The Alzheimer's Association and SNMMI published updated appropriate-use criteria for amyloid and tau PET. The criteria cover 17 clinical scenarios to guide when imaging fits. You can ask which scenario matches your history and exam.
Bring these questions to the visit and note the answers in your own words. Lantheus said it would first support drug programs while assessing broader commercial availability. Ask the clinic about current access and next steps if the scan is not offered locally.
- Do I meet suspected Alzheimer's criteria for tau PET?
- Would amyloid or blood testing come first for me?
- Is the scan available here, and what does insurance cover?
- How do I prepare, including medications, and what is the radiation dose?
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