Simple MS Blood Test Said to Be Able to Diagnose Disease at Symptom Onset

Patricia Silva, PhD avatar

by Patricia Silva, PhD |

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IQuity Labs, which specializesĀ in diagnostic tests for autoimmune and other diseases, recently announced that it has received $2 million in seed funding to support the launch of itsĀ test panels, diagnostic tests designed to confirm the presence or absence of disease at the very onset of symptoms. The first to debut, in early to mid-2016, will be a test forĀ multiple sclerosis (MS).

ā€œPeople often search for years to find answers that will help them address symptoms related to autoimmune disease,ā€ saidĀ IQuityā€™s CEO, Dr. Chase Spurlock, in a press release. ā€œItā€™s our goal to equip providers with a tool to diagnose patients faster so they can lead happier, healthier lives.ā€

Panels to diagnose other autoimmune diseases will be released duringĀ the second half of 2016.Ā The company also plans to launch tests ā€” still under development ā€” for diseases related to the fields of gastroenterology and rheumatology later this year.

The company providedĀ little information about the test in its statement, other than to noteĀ that is minimally invasive, using a simple blood draw ordered by a healthcare provider. The testĀ was developed within the research community atĀ Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and supported byĀ peer-reviewed grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

ā€œWe are excited to work with IQuity to facilitate the commercialization of Vanderbilt University technology that provides the opportunity to transform the diagnostic process for providers and positively impact the lives of millions of patients,ā€ saidĀ Alan Bentley, the university’s assistant vice chancellor for technology transfer.

IQuity notes that early diagnosis and treatment can greatĀ improve a patient’sĀ quality of life, and reduce both the personal and economic costs of aĀ disease.

ā€œThe rapid success of our fundraising effort is a result of our investors being directly affected by autoimmune disease. They believe in the science and how it can positively impact millions of patients,ā€ concluded Julia B. Polk, COO and CFO of IQuity Labs.

The NIH estimates the cost of autoimmune disease to be $100 billion yearly, and says thatĀ one in every 20 AmericansĀ live with some form of the disease.