Currently, diagnosis and monitoring of inborn diseases is performed only in centralized laboratories, which is costly, slow, and inaccessible to millions of people globally. One such disease is Phenylketonuria (PKU). Once diagnosed, PKU patients must closely monitor their phenylalanine levels for their entire lifetimes or face severe health challenges. PKU patients have no choice but to visit a hospital or mail in blood samples to a central lab.
Aptatek’s proprietary design has been clinically proven with more than 40 small molecules that are otherwise not detectable outside the lab.
Unlike blood tests that are mailed to a central lab with results in weeks, Aptatek enables blood tests in real time allowing immediate adjustment of diet to ensure phenylalanine levels remain within clinical target ranges.
Aptatek is a handheld device that is battery powered and Bluetooth-enabled, allowing patients or doctors to use at home or as a point of care diagnostic device.
Aptatek’s core technology was developed in the laboratories of Dr. Milan Stojanovic and Dr. Tilla Worgall, faculty members at Columbia University Medical Center. The technology is based on DNA aptamer sequences that detect small molecule biomarkers which cannot be detected by antibodies. The sensitivity and specificity matches laboratory instruments including mass spectrometry.
Aptatek's proprietary aptamer design strategies and patented sequences create the opportunity for novel tests and new test strategies. The robust format is amenable to a variety of test platforms. The technology can be applied to monitor more than just PKU; Aptatek can detect a wide variety of markers that currently can only be measured in a lab.
Aptatek management is dedicated to developing cutting edge technologies for portable disease management devices that will improve patient compliance, wellness, and overall quality of life.
Michael Boyce-Jacino previously was Director for NetScientific, plc, founding CEO of Bionano Genomics, and VP of Genomics for Beckman Coulter. He holds a PhD from University of Minnesota in immunology and human genetics.
Tilla Worgall is an Associate Professor at Columbia University Medical Center with appointments in the Pathology, Cell Biology, and Pediatrics departments. She holds an MD from University of Heidelberg.
Milan Stojanovic is an Associate Professor at Columbia University with appointments in the Medicine and Biomedical Engineering departments. He holds a PhD from Harvard University in chemistry.
Aptatek is looking to grow the team with passionate and hard working scientists, engineers, and business professionals. The following positions are open for applications:
Requirements
Email careers@aptatek.com with the subject "Application: Product Development Engineer" and a resume attached to apply. CV and LinkedIn URL are optional.
Requirements
Email careers@aptatek.com with the subject "Application: Product Manager" and a resume attached to apply. CV and LinkedIn URL are optional.