by September 20th, 2018
Grant will support development of advanced molecular diagnostics for confirmation of Bartonella spp. infection in endocarditis patients
RTP, N.C.- Galaxy Diagnostics, an infectious disease diagnostics company specializing in flea and tick-borne disease testing, is pleased to announce the award of Phase I grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) under the Small Business Innovation Research Program. This grant funding will support development of advanced molecular diagnostics for confirmation of Bartonella spp. infection in patients with endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart valves and chambers). This marks the second federal grant ever awarded for non-HIV research on Bartonella spp, including B henselae, the key agent causing cat scratch disease.
“We are thrilled to receive this funding from the NIH/NHLBI to support the development of better molecular diagnostics for Bartonella research and clinical use,” said Amanda Elam, President/CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics. “These bacteria were only recently discovered and have been recognized as one of the most important genuses of bacteria in emerging infectious disease today. Better diagnostic tests will allow clinicians and researchers to clarify the clinical importance of these pathogens for diseases affecting the joints, heart, eyes, and nervous system in people with healthy immune systems.” The current diagnostic challenge with this emerging pathogen is that recommended testing is not sensitive enough, often leading to false negatives. Jen Miller, Director of Research and Development at Galaxy Diagnostics, stated that, “Development of this rapid, highly sensitive and specific bartonellosis clinical diagnostic tool will result in an actionable, cost-effective assay for physicians.”
Launched in 2009 to commercialize advanced test methods to support diagnosis of Bartonellosis in animals and people, Galaxy Diagnostics is a spin out from North Carolina State University. The company is currently focused on developing more sensitive diagnostics for a range of flea and tick borne diseases, including Bartonellosis, Lyme Borreliosis (LB), Babesiosis, Rickettsiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis. Better diagnostic tests for flea- and tick-borne diseases will support more accurate diagnosis and better stewardship of antibiotics in the treatment of animals and people.
About Galaxy Diagnostics Inc.
As a social venture and a One Health company, Galaxy Diagnostics is passionate about protecting the animal-human bond through the surveillance, prevention and clinical management of flea- and tick-borne diseases shared by humans and animals. Not only do we offer the best molecular and serology test options available, but we work with researchers and clinicians to generate new knowledge about emerging infectious diseases such as bartonellosis, borreliosis and other vector-borne diseases. Based on our scientific expertise, we are able to provide counsel to clinicians and researchers dedicated to achieving the most accurate diagnosis possible for their patients. This central goal is reflected in our corporate values and everyday interaction with patients, clinicians and researchers.
Media Contact: James Rebenski
contact@galaxydx.com