ACS Biomarker

ACS Biomarker is a Dutch biomedical company focusing on the discovery, validation and commercialization of miRNAs as novel biomarkers for cardiovascular disease. The company is developing actionable and cost-effective multi-marker tests to improve diagnostic routine and clinical management of heart failure and coronary artery disease. The company c... onducts miRNA- and protein-based biomarker research in its state-of-the-art laboratory. ACS Biomarker established a close collaboration with two renowned cardiovascular research institutes, the Heart Failure Research Center of the AMC Amsterdam and CARIM of UMC Maastricht. The company out-licensed one of its first biomarker discoveries, Galectin-3, to BG Medicine, Inc. The Galectin-3 in-vitro diagnostic assay obtained FDA approval in 2010 and is now available in the clinic. ACS Biomarker explores both proteins and circulating microRNAs as potential biomarkers in patients with heart failure. The company identified a series of miRNAs that are elevated in patients with heart failure of which miR423-5p is most strongly related to the clinical diagnosis. These circulating miRNAs are attractive candidates as biomarkers for heart failure. Additionally a series of platelet derived miRNAs was discovered indicating whether a patient was at risk of suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD). ACS Biomarker currently validates its heart failure and coronary artery disease miRNAs in large patient cohorts to bring this novel class of biomarkers rapidly towards clinical application. The business model of the company is to discover and validate biomarkers to the proof of principle and to then partner with pharma and diagnostic companies for subsequent assay development, regulatory filings and commercialization.Read More