SpeeDx newly patented InSignia technology simplifies the measurement of gene expression and will underpin the creation of a simple, standardized biomarker test to support management of patients with respiratory viral illness. (Photo: Business Wire)
Sydney, Australia:
SpeeDx Pty. Ltd., a developer of innovative molecular diagnostic solutions, has partnered with researchers from Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s (NBMLHD) Nepean Hospital in an exclusive agreement to commercialise a host gene expression biomarker test for respiratory viral illness. Expression of the patented biomarker, IFI27, as discovered by NBMLHD Drs Anthony Maclean, Benjamin Tang and colleagues, is strongly correlated with disease progression in Influenza1 and COVID-19 patients2. The commercial assay will be positioned to support clinicians facing difficult triage or patient management decisions, supporting risk-based stratification of patients presenting with respiratory viral illness, including COVID-19.
“Host biomarkers are important indicators of a patient’s response to an infection,” said Professor Maclean, from the Nepean Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. “Markers linked to viral specific immune responses, such as IFI27 – an interferon stimulating gene – are particularly informative. When they get switched on, it tells all the other immune cells to come and fight the virus. Levels of this specific marker, measured in the blood, have been shown to be directly correlated to progression of respiratory viral illness.”
The SpeeDx biomarker test utilises newly patented InSigniaTM technology that enhances the measurement of gene expression and is designed to run on standard laboratory equipment, allowing for expedited development and rapid adoption in high- and low-throughput hospital settings.
“The availability of a simple diagnostic test that can accurately differentiate viral from bacterial causes of pulmonary disease, using a single-gene host biomarker, would transform patient management,” said Dr. Charles Cartwright, SpeeDx VP of Scientific Affairs. “Coupled with a pathogen detection assay and other disease indicators, this test can not only stratify patients based on risk of adverse disease progression, changes in the level of biomarker over time can inform more accurate prognoses and guide ongoing patient management decisions.”
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