Augurex and Quest Diagnostics Partner to Enhance Rheumatoid Arthritis Care

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--Augurex Life Sciences Corp, a prominent name in autoimmune biomarker-based diagnostics, has entered into a nonexclusive agreement with Quest Diagnostics, which is renowned for its diagnostic information services. This partnership will see Quest Diagnostics validate and offer a lab-developed test based on Augurex's 14-3-3η (eta) biomarker across the United States.

Quest Diagnostics plans to make this test service available to physicians from its advanced laboratory in San Juan Capistrano, California, starting on December 2, 2024. Patients who wish to undergo the test, with a physician's order, will be able to provide a blood sample at any of the more than 2,000 Quest Diagnostics patient service centers located throughout the United States.

The 14-3-3η test is instrumental in identifying elevated levels of the 14-3-3η protein, which is specific to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is associated with a higher risk of severe disease and joint damage.

Reintroducing the 14-3-3η test with Quest Diagnostics is a significant development for RA patients and clinicians. According to Neil Klompas, CEO of Augurex, this partnership is vital in addressing the evolving needs of RA patients. The increasing recognition of 14-3-3η as a critical biomarker in inflammatory diseases underscores the importance of this test in aiding faster treatment decisions.

James D. Faix, M.D., Medical Director of Immunology and R&D at Quest Diagnostics, emphasized that their agreement with Augurex builds on their history of innovation in autoimmune disease diagnostics. He highlighted that Quest was the first U.S. lab provider to introduce a lab-developed test based on the Augurex 14-3-3η biomarker over a decade ago. Faix expressed enthusiasm for reintroducing the 14-3-3η lab-developed test to physicians later this month.

Augurex Life Sciences Corp is a commercially active diagnostics company focused on the early detection and diagnosis of autoimmune disorders. This early detection allows for the optimization and personalization of treatment options for patients globally. Augurex’s primary diagnostic test, which identifies the 14-3-3η protein and is available as JOINTstat® in Canada, plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. The analyte-specific reagents used to detect 14-3-3η are available for purchase and use by U.S. clinical laboratories as part of their diagnostic tests.

Moreover, the Anti-14-3-3η Multiplex ASRs extend Augurex’s biomarker-informed diagnostic solutions into addressing axial spondyloarthritis. This autoimmune disease is often misdiagnosed as low back pain, and if left untreated, can result in impaired spinal mobility and fusion of the vertebrae.