Funding allows MSDx to launch test kits to the researchers for use in multiple sclerosis research.
MSDx, Inc., announced today that the company was awarded an Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) grant of up to $226,000 to be used to produce MSDx’s first Research Use Only (RUO) product, scheduled for completion by September 30, 2011. This allows MSDx to launch their test kits to the researchers who can use the product in their multiple sclerosis research. MSDx is one of the Arizona companies selected to receive a portion of the $1.5 million Arizona Innovation Challenge award. The Challenge drew entries from 108 companies, and the reviewers selected the final eight recipients. “We are honored to receive this recognition and support,” said Marie Wesselhoft, President of MSDx, Inc. “This ACA grant will enable us to accelerate our progress toward providing a simple blood test for multiple sclerosis, a disease that has not previously had a blood test.” In 2008, MSDx discovered a novel source of biomarkers that reflect the disease activity in a MS patient. Calling its proprietary, patent pending approach Window Into the Brain, the company will now be bringing to market MS blood test kits for research and clinical laboratories worldwide. Wesselhoft adds, “Our products will provide clinicians with important information on disease activity earlier in the disease process. This critical data can aid in determining whether drug therapy is working for a particular patient.”
The ACA grant is part of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund and Government Services Fund, administered by the U.S. Department of Education and the Governor’s Office of Economic Recovery. It is the second grant relating to federally funded stimulus that MSDx has received recently: the company was awarded two Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Project (QTDP) grants totaling $204,671 in November 2010. For more information about the Arizona Commerce Authority and its programs visit www.azcommerce.com.
About MSDx
MSDx develops Research Use Only (RUO) and In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) blood tests for diseases in various stages. Initial blood tests in development are focused on monitoring patients with multiple sclerosis. The company is located in Tucson at the University of Arizona’s Tech Park business incubator called the Arizona Center for Innovation (AzCI). Please visit msdx.co for more information about the company and their patent-pending technology.