Aptitude Medical Systems Secures Funding for Avian Flu Detection Technology Expansion

Aptitude Medical Systems, Inc., a distinguished name in the healthcare technology landscape, has recently announced that it has been granted a significant contract modification worth up to $8.25 million from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). This modification is set to enhance the Metrix® platform by integrating capabilities for the detection of H5 Avian Influenza, marking a critical step in the ongoing efforts to bolster health security against potential influenza outbreaks.

This new funding will play an essential role in expanding the capabilities of the already authorized COVID-19/Flu multiplex test, received by Aptitude from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). With this enhancement, the Metrix platform will now be capable of accurately detecting and differentiating H5 avian influenza strains from seasonal H1 and H3 influenza A subtypes. This advanced diagnostic potential is crucial as it allows for rapid, point-of-care testing to support early detection and effective containment of influenza threats, particularly in settings closer to where exposure may occur.

Scott Ferguson, PhD, the CEO of Aptitude, commented, "This initiative aligns with Aptitude's mission to broaden access to point-of-care molecular testing. By integrating H5 detection into the Metrix platform, we aim to redefine where critical diagnostic capabilities can be accessed by healthcare providers. This isn’t just about expanding our test offerings; it’s about enhancing the nation’s ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to emerging health threats."

The expanded multiplex capabilities of the Metrix COVID-19/Flu test will now include the detection of avian influenza alongside Flu A, Flu B, and COVID. Importantly, this expansion retains the core attributes of the platform, such as ease of use and cost-effective deployment, thereby ensuring that testing can be conducted quickly and effectively without compromising accessibility.

JP Wang, PhD, the Chief Technology Officer and President of Aptitude, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the contract modification. He emphasized that this opportunity allows the company to actively respond to emerging health threats while maintaining high sensitivity with a rapid assay time of just 20 minutes. This accessible testing format can be utilized by anyone, anywhere, providing a new standard for molecular diagnostics within the industry. He further added that the Metrix platform now has a doubled multiplex capacity, allowing for the detection and differentiation of up to eight targets in a portable and user-friendly device.

The award is a testament to Aptitude's dedication to advancing its portfolio of infectious disease diagnostics and solidifying its leadership role in accessible molecular testing solutions. The Metrix platform is particularly ideal for pandemic preparedness due to its proven ability to deliver lab-quality results in both clinical and home settings, which is critical for timely public health responses.

This project is funded partially with federal dollars from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through BARDA, under contract number 75A50123C00013. Aptitude remains a pioneering force in healthcare technology, focused on democratizing diagnostics to deliver actionable lab-quality results quickly, irrespective of location. As the Metrix COVID/Flu test represents the second FDA-authorized molecular test on the platform, Aptitude is committed to developing a robust pipeline to meet a wide array of health and wellness needs, ensuring that diagnostics is available everywhere, empowering both patients and healthcare providers alike. To learn more about Aptitude and their innovative projects, visit www.aptitudemedical.com or follow them on LinkedIn.

Topics Health)

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