Huntsville, Ala. – The U.S. Army Medical Research Agency has awarded CFD Research a cutting-edge $1.3M project to develop a groundbreaking multi-omics platform for point-of-care diagnostics. This innovative technology aims to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases, including PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), cancer, sepsis, and organ damage.
While multi-omics research—combining metabolomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and genomics—has greatly improved the understanding of complex diseases, there’s still a lack of clinical tools that can deliver fast, comprehensive analyses at the point of care. This project aims to bridge that gap by developing a portable, low-cost multi-omic platform that uses minimally invasive samples, such as whole blood, to provide actionable diagnostic insights.
“Our multi-omics platform has the potential to transform how we diagnose and manage complex conditions, offering clinicians a comprehensive view of molecular signatures in real-time,” said Dr. David Gaddes, Principal Investigator at CFD Research. “This technology can bring rapid, sensitive, and personalized diagnostics to the forefront of patient care.”
Building on the achievements of Phase I, which successfully demonstrated proof-of-concept for preparing whole blood and quantifying key biological components such as RNA, proteins, and metabolites, this next phase focuses on integrating sample-to-answer components. The platform incorporates a consumable fluidic cartridge to process whole blood into plasma and an electrochemical sensor array with selective biological receptors for multi-omic analysis. The goal is to develop an advanced prototype ready for future manufacturing and FDA approval, paving the way for real-world deployment.
The potential applications of this multi-omics platform are vast:
● PTSD and TBI Diagnostics: By analyzing genes, proteins, and metabolites simultaneously, the platform enables a comprehensive understanding of molecular signatures associated with PTSD and TBI. This supports earlier diagnoses, personalized treatment interventions, and improved patient outcomes.
● Cancer Diagnostics: Integrating genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data, the platform facilitates early cancer detection, precision medicine approaches, and targeted therapy decisions, improving survival rates and treatment outcomes.
● Broad Accessibility: Its portable design allows deployment in diverse healthcare settings, including clinics, hospitals, and resource-limited areas, ensuring broader access to advanced diagnostics.
“Rapid and on-site diagnostic capabilities are a game-changer,” said Dr. Ketan Bhatt, Biomedical Director at CFD Research. “From PTSD and TBI to cancer, this platform can empower clinicians with timely, actionable data, improving outcomes for patients while reducing reliance on extensive laboratory testing.”
This multi-omics technology is poised to have a transformative impact on the healthcare landscape, enabling clinicians to unravel complex biological pathways, diagnose diseases earlier, and guide treatment strategies with unprecedented precision.
This material is based upon work supported by the DoD SBIR Program under Contract No. HT942524C0081. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC).
About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine’s Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com.
