A Different Approach: Disease Detection

Correlogic’s research is based on a novel approach that looks for subtle changes in protein and other serum molecule patterns, rather than simply an increase in an individual molecule.  It employs patented artificial intelligence-based computer technology to identify these hidden patterns. 

Conventional tests, which measure the presence or increase of a single protein or biomarker associated with a disease (such as CA-125 for ovarian cancer), are often ineffective in detecting early stage disease because the increase in these biomarkers may not occur, or be detectable, until the disease is more advanced.  Correlogic’s technology is based on the principle that subtle patterns of change occur when disease is present, including in the early, and typically most treatable, stages.  These combinations of changes may include decreases as well as increases in specific molecules. 

Proteome Quest^® is our pattern discovery technology.  It examines tens of thousands of proteins, protein fragments, metabolites and other particles in serum.  From these, it identifies molecular pattern changes -- or models -- associated with a particular disease.  Our ProteomeDx^® technology then compares an individual patient’s serum patterns to the disease model that Proteome Quest selected. Once the initial processing is completed, spectral data can be transmitted electronically to Correlogic, and analyzed remotely; additional transportation of patient specimens is not required.   

Implications for Healthcare

Because the tests require only a small blood sample – making them accessible, minimally-invasive and virtually painless – they hold the promise of widespread use, and saving lives and billions of dollars in healthcare costs. 

The technology’s broad applicability to a wide range of biological states means that data derived from a single blood draw can be analyzed for multiple diseases.  It will be possible to offer a women’s health suite comprised of, for example, ovarian, breast, and colon cancer assays or a men’s health suite comprised of prostate and colon cancer tests. Data from the patient’s blood sample will be analyzed and compared by computer to the disease models for the specified diseases.

Validation

Initial research on this approach and technology was conducted in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, and the Food and Drug Administration.  Our work has been published in 13 peer-reviewed scientific journals. Additional studies on thousands of patients are ongoing with leading U.S. and international medical research institutions.

Correlogic is developing blood tests for ovarian, prostate, breast, colon and other cancers.  OvaCheck^®, our blood test for ovarian cancer, will be available nationwide through LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics.  OvaCheck is currently in clinical trials in preparation for FDA regulatory review, and is nearest to commercial availability.  Correlogic’s OvaCheck Medical Advisory Board, comprised of the nation’s leading authorities on gynecologic cancer, is guiding final development and introduction of the test.