Diagnostic Products Development
Mitochondrial Disease Diagnosis
MitoSciences is currently developing simple tests for both early- and late-onset diseases in which mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated, and while currently for research use only, these tests hold great promise for possible future use as diagnostic tools in clinical settings.
The tests employ our MitoProfile® technology and measure various parameters such as the levels of key mitochondrial proteins, enzyme activities, and the accumulated oxidative damage that characterizes diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. The expectation is that the resulting MitoProfile® will provide biomarkers for these various diseases.
Early-onset mitochondrial genetic diseases include Leigh's diseases, MELAS, MERRF, Friedreich's Ataxia, and Lebers Hereditary Neuropathy (LHON). Late-onset diseases in which mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated include Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases as well as diabetes.
While currently for research use only, several of our products are being used in conjunction with clinical diagnostic techniques to help researchers and clinicians to diagnose mitochondrial genetic diseases. For a discussion of these products' utility with case studies of their application, please visit our page covering Products for Mitochondrial Genetic Disease Research.
Mitochondrial Toxicity from HAART Diagnosis
MitoProfile® tests are also being developed to monitor the mitochondrial toxicity of therapeutic drugs, in particular anti-retroviral drugs used in highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV patients. The development of tools for evaluation of HAART toxicity is considered one of the most pressing needs in HIV/AIDS research. Results form initial clinical research indicates that our tests might not just provide measurements for evaluating HAART toxicity, but that they may also indicate HAART toxicity before patients begin exhibiting lipodystrophy and other physical problems associated with toxicity.
Partnerships
MitoSciences is collaborating with clinical investigators worldwide by providing our tests as part of beta testing and discounted pricing programs. We are also pursuing partnerships with clinical laboratories and other diagnostic service providers to help satisfy the regulatory requirements that will move our tests from research use only designation into clinical settings as diagnostic tools.
If you are interested in partnering with us in either capacity please contact us at
[email protected].
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