NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – San Diego-based Ridge Diagnostics today said that it has licensed exclusive rights to Ameritox to its MDDScore, a multiplex biomarker test for major depressive disorder.
Ameritox, a Baltimore-based specialized lab testing firm, also will make an undisclosed equity investment in Ridge and has committed to a next-stage clinical development program.
The MDDScore test measures 10 biomarkers associated with factors such as inflammation, development and maintenance of neurons, and interaction between brain structures involved in stress response and other biological functions, said Ridge. The test is designed to help physicians determine whether a patient has major depression and may help the physician in matching the proper treatment to the patient.
"Ameritox's investment in Ridge will likely accelerate the MDDScore test development and advance access to millions of patients already under the care of primary care and pain management physicians," Ridge Diagnostics CEO Lonna Williams said in a statement.