Ridge Diagnostics, Inc. Awarded Phase 2 National Science Foundation Grant
Grant Supports First Blood Test for Depression
SAN DIEGO, April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Ridge Diagnostics, Inc., a neurodiagnostic company commercializing its first-in-class, proprietary blood test for depression or Major Depressive Disorder(MDD), has been awarded a Phase 2, National Science Foundation, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program grant. The grant will be used to further the clinical development and commercialization of its blood test for depression, the first blood test for any neuropsychiatric disorder.
In January 2009, the company completed the commercial launch of its CLIA certified laboratory in Research Triangle Park, NC. The laboratory provides testing information to physicians, pharmaceutical companies and clinical research organizations. The test can be used in pharmaceutical research to objectively identify and stratify patient populations to enhance drug research and clinical studies. It is intended to be used by psychiatrists and primary care physicians to diagnose and monitor treatment of patients with depression. A biological test based upon the physiological changes caused by depression could drive the earlier diagnosis, and treatment management of the over 20 million adults in the U.S. facing this disease.
"We are pleased to once again, announce the National Science Foundation's recognition of Ridge's technological accomplishments. This prestigious grant will enable us to further the clinical development of our blood tests and build on our CLIA laboratory infrastructure to support our growing business," stated Stan Sewitch, President and CEO of Ridge.
Ridge Diagnostics, Inc. is a neurodiagnostic company commercializing a breakthrough, first-in-class, proprietary blood test for the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The company's products are derived from a proprietary Human Biomarker Library and Hyper-Mapping(TM) technology. Ridge intends to develop a comprehensive neuropsychiatric disease diagnostic franchise. Ridge Diagnostics testing services are provided through its CLIA certified laboratory in North Carolina, then through diagnostic test kits sold worldwide. The company is located in San Diego, CA and Research Triangle Park, NC.
CONTACT: Lonna J Williams, CCO of Ridge Diagnostics, Inc., 1-877-743-4301
Web site: http://www.ridgedx.com/