Value Proposition:
· Minimally invasive diagnostic platform that detects miRNAs within circulating cell-type-specific extracellular vesicles (EVs).
· Low-cost testing platform (~20$/test) that provides rapid results (within 3h), optimized for at-home collection of blood samples.
· Diverse applications across multiple disease indications, including diabetes and obesity-related diseases.
· Also offers insight into disease severity.
Technology Description
· Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed an automated testing platform for the detection of nucleic acids encapsulated within exosomal or small EVs for diagnosis of disease.
· EVs can be isolated based on parent cell type, allowing for the tissue-specific detection of upregulated miRNAs that are associated with cell damage and disease.
· Test data is analyzed using an automated platform, and results can be downloaded to any smart device.
Unmet Need
Diagnostic tests for diabetes, such as A1C tests, glucose tolerance tests, and fasting blood sugar tests, are time consuming for patients (i.e., requiring an office visit) and are often performed after symptom onset, rather than proactively. Additionally, these tests are subject to a high rate of false positives. Therefore, there is a strong need to develop additional test platforms to enhance efficiency, sensitivity, and frequency of proactive screening.
Stage of Development
· Proof of concept studies complete.
· Automated testing panels are in development for platform validation in larger patient cohorts.
· Looking for partners to commercialize and develop a fully-automated test kit for diabetes and obesity diagnostics.
Publication N/A
