Banyan Biomarkers

As I was researching Banyan Biomarkers, I was reminded of the opening scene of the “Hurt Locker”. A military EOD technician, dressed in full blast gear, carefully walks down a dusty Iraqi railway to diffuse a live explosive devise only to turn and frantically run in the opposite direction as the devise is detonated, erupting in a flume of rocks and debris. While I cannot speak to the accuracy of this movie dramatization, the reality of diagnosing traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in isolated combat zones where traditional methods (CT, MRI) are unavailable, remains a very serious problem facing US (and foreign) ground troops. 

The military is not the only ones affected by TBIs. Growing concern is felt surrounding athletic events as more and more athletes are suffering and dying from head injuries. The headlines are filled with accounts of football, soccer, and elite boxing athletes all suffering because of repeated, and often undiagnosed or ignored head traumas.    

The Beginnings

A group out of the University of Florida’s McKnight Brain Institute, Ronald L. Hayes Ph.D., Keven Wang Ph.D., and Nancy Denslow Ph.D, founded Banyan Biomarkers in 2002 to develop the first rapid ELISA based blood test for TBI.  This test identifies circulating protein biomarkers (UCH-L1 and GFAP) that are present in the blood after an acute damaging blow to the head has occurred. While this test is not a substitute for traditional radiography, it is an excellent way to triage those suspected of potential brain damage, especially when large expensive scanners are not accessible.

Progression and Funding

The US Department of Defense quickly recognized the potential of this test and awarded Bayan Biomarkers a 2,000 patient; $26.3 million contract in 2010. As of summer 2013 Bayan has completed a $6 million “Series A” funding cycle from private investors to develop and patent their biomarkers. Bayan is now located in the Sid Martin Biotech Incubator in Alachua, FL (more on this later) and continues to carry out clinical trials of their biomarker from troops around the world. 
Going Forward
Although Bayan’s efforts are currently focused on military application I would not be surprised if traveling professional sports teams are the next market to benefit from this development, especially if the initial round of clinical trails are proven able to accurately “pre-diagnose” TBI and if the test are available at a cost that is significantly less than performing a stand alone CT or MRI scan (which it most likely will be). Bayan will need to insure that their test is consistent in field conditions that are less than ideal for antibody stability if they intend for the product to be used on the ground. In addition, if they intend to market their test for civilian use, they will also want to consider whether the test is economically viable or practical to use before traditional techniques. Bayan has identified a very practical solution to a serious issue and their outlook is strong.

"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." - Carl Sagan

This moment marks the first steps towards a project very close to my heart that has been a work in progress for many months. Inspired by Gary P. Pisano’s book “Science Business: The Promise, the Reality, and the Future of Biotech” as well as my own personal experience with the frustration and the elation of biomedical discovery, I feel impelled to embark on a journey to examine the state of local life science companies as well as the status of the industries’ progress as a whole. 

The problem.

America’s healthcare infrastructure is in a state of disrepair and is ill prepared to properly care for its aging population. Researchers estimate that, at the current rate, by the year 2050, 16 million elderly individuals (65+) will have Alzheimer’s disease (from 5.2 million in 2014)[1] and 1 out of every 3 people will be diabetic[2]. Healthcare costs (total and out of pocket) are skyrocketing and are projected to continue their trajectory (see figure below)[3]. The cure for our nation’s healthcare crisis, both biologically and financially, lies in our ability to provide effective and affordable preventative measures, rapid and accurate diagnostics, and targeted and personalized therapeutic interventions at all levels of wellness. As each of these steps in health are improved, diseases can be treated or eradicated with fewer and more effective interventions, instead of relying on outdated, drawn out, and costly therapies. Remarkable strides have been made toward these goals, but it is our global responsibility to ensure that this progress is made a priority and that scientific excellence is heralded with the urgency that (literally) our lives depend upon.  

My future articles are in no way meant as a search for Barry Werth’s billion dollar molecule or for some miracle pharmaceutical, but instead, a preamble to what could be, or what should be, the future of life sciences. My goal is to provide accurate and informative data on the scientific pioneers of our local biotechnology sector and to illuminate the work of these individual to better our society and way of life. 

[1]Center for Disease Control

[2]Alzheimer’s Association

[3]Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

***Disclaimer: I have no financial investment (stock, or otherwise) in any company being reviewed. All reviews are purely my opinion based on my own experience and should be viewed as such.