Leading the Development of Portable Disease Management Devices
Aptatek's Solution
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 monitoring device could be game changing for thousands of people affected by PKU because it provides clinical grade testing in an easy-to-use, portable device.
Clinical quality
Aptatek’s proprietary design has been clinically proven with more than 40 small molecules that are otherwise not detectable outside the lab.
Real time
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.
Portable
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.
Robust Sensor Technology
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.
Management
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, PhD
CEO, President
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, MD, PhD
CMO, Founder
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, PhD
CSO, Founder
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.
Join Our Team
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
- Master’s or Ph.D. Degree in Engineering or Related Field with a minimum of 1-3 years’ experience in molecular diagnostics instrumentation or medical device industry
- Experience in 510k, PMA submissions, and FDA interactions a plus
- Design control, verification and validation protocol expertise required
- Expert knowledge of scientific principles and concepts
- Diagnostics test development experience strongly preferred
- Experience with digital health technology preferred
- Cross-functional experience working with product development teams and contractors a plus
Email careers@aptatek.com with the subject "Application: Product Development Engineer" and a resume attached to apply. CV and LinkedIn URL are optional.
Requirements
- Bachelors degree in business, marketing or life sciences required
- Masters degree in business, marketing or life sciences preferred.
- Knowledge of and experience in formulating and executing marketing plans for digital health or diagnostic products.
- Demonstrable knowledge of FDA regulations relating to diagnostic products.
- Demonstrable knowledge of strategic planning, KOL relationship development, tactical execution of strategic plans, and budget management.
- Ability to analyze market and financial data.
- Knowledge of and prior experience in monitoring and reporting on progress and expenditures to budget, and determining ROI on initiatives preferred.
- Demonstrable knowledge of and prior experience in product launch.
- Excellent communication skills are essential.
Email careers@aptatek.com with the subject "Application: Product Manager" and a resume attached to apply. CV and LinkedIn URL are optional.