Stanford University, Vermillion form panel to study PAD risk

Vermillion, a molecular diagnostics company, has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Stanford University to develop and commercialize a novel biomarker panel used to assess the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD). 

Estimated to affect up to 12 million Americans, PAD is a serious condition that often goes undiagnosed, and can result in severe complications, including amputation, heart attack, stroke and even death.

Under the terms of the agreement, Vermillion is granted exclusive rights to the biomarker panel, and will undertake the development and commercialization of a PAD blood test, which utilizes the multi-marker panel to stratify an individual's risk for developing the disease, the Fremont, Calif.-based company said.

Through the partnership with Vermillion, “we are working to develop these essential tools to improve diagnosis, with the intent of expediting treatment and enhancing patient outcomes,” said John Cooke, M.D, PhD, professor of medicine at Stanford University.

In collaboration with Stanford, Vermillion said it completed a 540-patient clinical study evaluating the ability of the biomarker panel to classify individuals into high and low risk groups for PAD, which will be published in the coming months.

Around the web

Richard Heller III, MD, RSNA board member and senior VP of policy at Radiology Partners, offers an overview of policies in Congress that are directly impacting imaging.
 

The two companies aim to improve patient access to high-quality MRI scans by combining their artificial intelligence capabilities.

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services.