Stemina, Eyeing Boston VC, Launches Large Autism Diagnostic Study
Summary
Stemina is trying to propel its diagnostic technology to market, first targeting autism, and eventually other neurological disorders like schizophrenia and depression, CEO Elizabeth Donley says.The CAMP study will expose Stemina’s test across a larger set of patients and, if all goes well, could be what regulators require to grant marketing clearance.Diagnosing the disorder as early as possible is important because some studies have shown earlier treatment can boost the child’s cognitive and social skills.Plenty of research has been done the past few years to find a reliable blood-based test to diagnose children sooner, with varying degrees of success.Donley previously told Xconomy her company’s test might have an advantage by studying metabolites instead of gene expression because they provide “a readout of the organism’s current state in real time,” and they show promise pinpointing what’s different about each child’s case.