Skip to Content

DNA Sequencing Giant Illumina Joins Hunt for Autism Blood Test

Illumina will work with SynapDx’s to find a blood-test that could allow treatment to start earlier.

Massachusetts startup SynapDx announced on Wednesday that it will work with DNA sequencer manufacturer Illumina  to develop early detection tools for autism spectrum disorders,  according to a release.

SynapDx is trying to develop a blood-based test that will catch most cases of autism spectrum disorders in children earlier than current methods (see “Can a Blood Test Detect Autism Early?”). The advantage would be that treatments seem to work better the sooner they start. The challenge is that there aren’t clear biomarkers or genetic signals for the disorder, which is most likely a mix of many different conditions.

But that doesn’t seem to deter sequencing giant Illumina, which has been growing the diagnostic side of its business over the last few months (see “A Brave New World of Prenatal DNA Sequencing”). According to the release:

“SynapDx and Illumina share a vision of better pediatric care through the use of advanced molecular assays and sequencing technologies,” said Stanley Lapidus, SynapDx’s CEO. “We look forward to broadly collaborating on multiple joint initiatives.”

SynapDx is currently recruiting participants into a clinical study of gene expression and autism in children less than 5 years old, which might help them identify biomarkers of the condition.

Keep Reading

Most Popular

Geoffrey Hinton tells us why he’s now scared of the tech he helped build

“I have suddenly switched my views on whether these things are going to be more intelligent than us.”

ChatGPT is going to change education, not destroy it

The narrative around cheating students doesn’t tell the whole story. Meet the teachers who think generative AI could actually make learning better.

Meet the people who use Notion to plan their whole lives

The workplace tool’s appeal extends far beyond organizing work projects. Many users find it’s just as useful for managing their free time.

Learning to code isn’t enough

Historically, learn-to-code efforts have provided opportunities for the few, but new efforts are aiming to be inclusive.

Stay connected

Illustration by Rose Wong

Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review

Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.

Thank you for submitting your email!

Explore more newsletters

It looks like something went wrong.

We’re having trouble saving your preferences. Try refreshing this page and updating them one more time. If you continue to get this message, reach out to us at customer-service@technologyreview.com with a list of newsletters you’d like to receive.