Parsortix Inc

- Separating foetal cells from maternal blood

Overview

Parsortix Inc was founded by ANGLE in 2006 to commercialise technology designed to separate objects at the micro level.  As a first application of this technology, Parsortix will develop a device that will assist in pre-natal diagnostics.  This device will enable, without the trauma associated with amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), the collection of foetal cells from the maternal bloodstream for the detection of Down’s syndrome and other diseases associated with chromosomal abnormalities.  The technology may also have applications in bone marrow transplant therapy during cancer treatment.

Background

This technology was developed to aid in the collection of cells for genetic analysis.  However, it was recognised that the technology may provide an approach to the collection of foetal cells from maternal blood.  Parsortix has experimentally demonstrated that foetal cells can be isolated from maternal blood using this technology.  Future prenatal diagnostic technologies will also be able to use these cells for markers of genetic diseases.  The technology is easy to use, and should provide a cost effective way to separate cells, not just for prenatal diagnosis, but for other diagnostic and therapeutic applications.  ANGLE identified this technology through its collaboration with the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Market opportunity

There are some 6 million pregnancies annually in the US with 4.5 million live births.  Approximately 300,000 women proceed to have an amniocentesis or CVS procedure performed.  These procedures collect foetal cells for the diagnostic test.  Because Parsortix’s technology enables the collection of foetal cells in a non-invasive manner, we believe that Parsortix’s technology can replace the current method of blood tests which precede the amniocentesis as well as the amniocentisis itself.  The foetal cell collection can be performed in the first trimester, thus permitting earlier diagnosis of potential problems which, in turn, will provide for better care of the mother and unborn infant.  This will save time and money by proceeding directly to the diagnostic test for birth defects due to chromosomal abnormalities and will allow expansion of routine testing since the risk and trauma of amniocentesis testing is removed.

Progress/activities

Parsortix will be working with leading geneticists and obstetric and gynaecological experts to develop this technology.  Parsortix is assembling a team of technologists, scientists and business development specialists to assist in the development of its technology.  It is anticipated that Parsortix will begin clinical testing in early 2007 and will be seeking market approval in 2008.

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