March 27, 2024 | Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed an automated detection tool to spot COVID-19 in lung ultrasound images , as well as a fluid biomarker that may one day detect degenerative diseases; Bayer AG and Thermo Fisher Scientific are collaborating to develop next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based companion diagnostic assays (CDx); Australian researchers develop a miniaturized optical sensor for continuous non-invasive glucose monitoring; and more.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed an automated detection tool to spot COVID-19 in lung ultrasound images much like facial recognition software can spot a face in a crowd. The findings boost AI-driven medical diagnostics and bring health care professionals closer to being able to quickly diagnose patients with COVID-19 and other pulmonary diseases with algorithms that comb through ultrasound images to identify signs of disease. The findings result from an effort that started early in the pandemic when clinicians needed tools to rapidly assess legions of patients in overwhelmed emergency rooms. Press release.
In addition, a Johns Hopkins Medicine-led team has developed a fluid biomarker that may one day detect ALS and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) before symptoms appear. The biomarker locates a protein associated with the loss of function for the TDP-43 protein, an abnormality linked to people who develop ALS or FTD. Press release.
Babson Diagnostics is launching BetterWay with H-E-B, one of the nation’s largest independently owned supermarket chains, and two independent pharmacies in the Austin metro area, Peoples Rx, and Lake Hills Pharmacy. BetterWay will be available at select pharmacy locations in the Austin and San Antonio metro areas beginning in July. The introduction of BetterWay also recognizes the growing role of pharmacies in providing comprehensive, personalized care. Pharmacies are filling a vital role in the community by increasing access to important health screenings, immunizations, and physical exams in addition to their traditional services of filling prescriptions and supporting patients with medication counseling. Press release.
Bayer AG and Thermo Fisher Scientific are collaborating to develop next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based companion diagnostic assays (CDx) together. These will help identify patients who may benefit from Bayer’s growing portfolio of precision cancer therapies by offering decentralized genomic testing and rapid turnaround time. The CDx will be developed using Thermo Fisher’s Oncomine Dx Express Test on the Ion Torrent Genexus Dx System, a fully integrated NGS platform that can deliver results on a patient’s tumor or liquid biopsy sample in as little as 24 hours. Press release.
Researchers at TMOS, the Australian Research Council Center of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems have discovered new aspects of glucose's infrared signature and has used this information to develop a miniaturized optical sensor only 5mm in diameter that could one day be used to provide continuous non-invasive glucose monitoring in diabetes management. Press release.
QDx Pathology Services is working with Proscia to innovate its practice. With its intuitive user experience, functionality, and scalability, Proscia’s software helps enable pathologists to drive productivity in their routine workflows, such as streamlining collaboration, which helps them to tap into a broader pool of expertise. QDx Pathology Services plans to maintain its position of innovation by leveraging the solution’s world-class interoperability with artificial intelligence applications developed by Proscia, Proscia’s customers, and the Proscia Ready partners. Press release.
Tulane University researchers have developed a CRISPR-based platform for diagnosing Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infections where blood testing can yield results in as little as two hours. The preliminary findings, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, showed that the blood test was able to accurately identify more than 93% of patients with an NTM infection. The blood test is specifically designed to detect mycobacteria avium complex (MAC), one of the most common types of NTM and the most common cause of NTM-induced pulmonary disease. Press release.
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is bringing Flatiron Assist from Flatiron Health to oncology care clinicians at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. The collaboration between Flatiron Health and MUSC will equip clinicians with advanced cancer care insights from Flatiron Assist, an oncology-specific clinical decision support platform that prioritizes the latest evidence-based medicine, site-preferred pathways, and clinical research at the point of care. Press release.
Ambry Genetics and Tempus have entered a strategic collaboration to offer best-in-class, comprehensive, germline, and somatic testing services. As part of the agreement, Ambry is performing germline sequencing assays for Tempus, powered by Ambry’s CancerNext and CancerNext-Expanded assays. Utilizing next-generation sequencing, the assays identify genetic variants associated with hereditary cancer syndromes and inherited risk of cancer and leverages Ambry’s 25-year history of variant interpretation expertise. Press release.
The Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology (I-GHHE) at The American University in Cairo (AUC) and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology to focus on developing scalable approaches for early detection and risk reduction in Alzheimer's disease (AD), emphasizing diagnostic biomarker identification, capacity building in neurodegeneration, and genomic risk definition. The collaboration aims to combat AD's impact on the aging population, particularly in Egypt and the surrounding region, by advancing detection, monitoring, prevention, and treatment. It leverages I-GHHE's expertise in neuroscience research alongside UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology's cutting-edge capabilities in addressing neurological disorders. Press release.
PatientSight announced a new service that provides a continuous connection between rare disease patients and life science organizations. PatientSight is a subscription-based platform where survey findings are collected, analyzed, and displayed as easily digestible dashboards. The patient journey is organized by disease, treatment, and brand experience. The surveys are recurring throughout the year, enabling life science organizations to examine key insights and trends within a population. PatientSight is also partnered with Rare Patient Voice, a leading recruitment firm connecting patients and family caregivers with opportunities to take part in all types of research studies. Press release.