Blood test to diagnosis schizophrenia

Cambridge-based Psynova Neurotech, which develops novel biomarkers to aid the diagnosis and treatment of neuropsychiatric illnesses, has announced it is partnering with Rules-Based Medicine to co-develop a blood test for the diagnosis of schizophrenia.

The current diagnosis of schizophrenia is highly subjective and time-consuming, due to the lack of objective biological tests specific for the disease.

The joint venture will incorporate the candidate biomarkers already identified by Psynova Neurotech and make use of RBM’s comprehensive protein biomarker assay and technology platform.

Psynova Neurotech director and co-founder Dr. Bahn said: ‘The tests will be a tool to help general practitioners and psychiatrists in the difficult task of diagnosing and treating patients much sooner, ideally when symptoms are still mild.’

The Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks, Europe (GAMIAN - Europe), a pan-European patient-driven federation of national organisations assisting people affected by mental illness, welcomed the announcement.

GAMIAN - Europe president Dolores Gauci added: ‘Any diagnostic tool that aids in the early identification of schizophrenia and other chronic mental illnesses will help people begin treatment earlier to avoid much of the pain, hardship and deterioration caused by these devastating diseases. Further, such a test could help affected individuals and their carers maintain a better quality of life.’