Philips and Banyan Biomarkers to create new test for concussions

Philips is to partner with Banyan Biomarkers to develop a new blood test that can be used to detect concussions.

The multi-year joint development agreement focused on the development and commercialisation of a handheld blood test to detect and evaluate mild traumatic brain injury at the point of care, with the test to be based on Philips' Minicare I-20 system.

Currently, there is no blood test for use by physicians in the hospital to detect the presence and severity of brain trauma, but Banyan Biomarkers has identified two proteins that rapidly appear in the blood of patients soon after injury that could offer diagnostic potential.

The Minicare I-20 system consists of a handheld analyser, dedicated software and a single-use disposable cartridge containing the application specific test. It can detect multiple target molecules at low concentrations and show the results within minutes.

Marcel van Kasteel, chief executive officer of Philips' handheld diagnostics business, said: "Our innovative Minicare technology platform and partnerships are a firm foundation for our ambition to become a leader in this new growth market for Philips."