NEW YORK — Molecular diagnostics firm DermTech said on Tuesday that it will work with researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine to investigate biomarkers of the chronic skin disorder hidradenitis suppurativa.
HS, also known as acne inversa, is characterized by recurrent swollen and painful lesions in the armpit, groin, anal, and breast regions, according to DermTech. The primary etiology of the condition is poorly defined, and it can take years to diagnose properly.
Over the course of a three-year study, DermTech and university investigators will use the company's noninvasive sample collection and genomics technologies to identify and longitudinally evaluate biomarkers in HS patients. The goal of the study is to phenotypically characterize HS, identify potential subsets of the disease, and gain insights that can help guide treatment decisions.
"We are excited to collaborate with the team at Stanford to longitudinally evaluate biomarkers that are associated with disease flares in HS and are committed to improving our understanding of HS as we strive to use precision and personalized dermatology approaches to positively impact those suffering from the disease," DermTech CSO Michael Howell said in a statement.
In March, La Jolla, California-based DermTech reported a 31 percent rise in fourth quarter revenues on strong sales of its melanoma detection tests.