6. Blood-based RNA test helps detect multiple sclerosis
Nashville, Tenn.–based IQuity has developed a diagnostic blood test that can help identify multiple sclerosis in patients with early symptoms.
The test, known as IsolateMS, identifies gene expression patterns that are consistent with MS in early symptoms. Analytical sensitivity and specificity are more than 90%, according to the company.
IsolateMS uses IQuity’s algorithms that can analyze RNA markers in blood samples. RNA expression patterns can be detected in the blood of patients with autoimmune conditions. The algorithms measure the RNA marker expressions from healthy and sick patients and determine if the gene expression is consistent with a specific disease.
The first blood test for multiple sclerosis is expected to be available for clinical use in the spring of this year.