Cambridge start-up agrees deal to develop schizophrenia diagnostic

Collaboration agreed

Psynova Neurotech of Cambridge, UK, a specialist in developing novel biomarkers to aid the diagnosis and treatment of neuropsychiatric illnesses, has sealed a partnership with Rules-Based Medicine, (RBM) Inc, of Austin, Texas, to co-develop and commercialise a blood test for diagnosing schizophrenia.

In the absence of objective and specific biological tests, the diagnosis of schizophrenia is highly subjective and time-consuming. Delay and uncertainty in diagnosis leads to delayed treatment, and, in turn, extended suffering and hardship for patients and their families.

In the few studies where early treatment has been implemented in high-risk patient groups, poor outcomes were substantially reduced, as were the duration of untreated illness, inpatient days, and the time to remission. A test that provides earlier and more accurate diagnosis of the disease would deliver not only improved patient outcomes but also greatly reduce the overall costs of schizophrenia.

Psynova and RBM will collaborate in the validation, regulatory approval and manufacture of the test, using biomarkers previously identified by Psynova and RBM’s protein biomarker assay and technology platform

Psynova’s biomarkers were discovered through its collaborative research programme with the company’s co-founder Sabine Bahn of the Cambridge Centre for Neuropsychiatric Research, at the Institute of Biotechnology, Cambridge University.

“This is a very exciting and important partnership for Psynova,” said Bahn. “RBM’s technology platform and clinical screening expertise give us a rapid path to bring the candidate biomarkers identified through our research efforts to benefit patients.”

Psynova’s biomarkers not only have the potential to help in the identification of disease subtypes, but also in deciding the best treatment options, monitoring patient responses and in drug discovery.

RBM’s CEO Craig Benson, said, “We anticipate that this is the first of many collaborations between the two companies, further leveraging other discoveries made by Psynova and the Cambridge Centre for Neuropsychiatric Research.”

Psynova was set up in 2005 by Bahn and Chris Lowe, also of Cambridge University, and funded since inception by Porton Capital. Although initial efforts have focused on schizophrenia, the company intends to expand into related areas, such as bipolar affective disorder and major depression, where it has extensive relevant expertise. At present, there are no validated biomarkers and diagnostic tests for any of these disorders.