Transforming the management of Urea Cycle Disorders using non-invasive breath ammonia monitoring

**Urea Cycle Disorders (UCDs) are genetic conditions which lead to severe lifelong disability and early death**. They cause a buildup of ammonia, which is toxic, and result in serious and permanent brain damage. They tend to go undiagnosed at birth until the onset of illness, before damage has already occurred. These conditions are very difficult to manage, requiring regular visits to specialist care centres, which is extremely stressful and disruptive to family life. It has been described as "like living with a time bomb". Currently, ammonia can only be measured effectively in the hospital. There is no way to manage these conditions in the patients' homes. Having a way for patients and families to measure and monitor their ammonia at home would lead to significant improvements in the management of UCDs, and lead to significant improvements in patient quality and quantity of life, while also reducing the burden on the healthcare system.

**BreathDX is working with its regional partners, UWE Bristol, University of Bristol and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Trust to bring its AmBeR breath ammonia measurement technology to UCD patients**. AmBeR is a simple to use, non-invasive means of measuring ammonia levels using breath. It has the potential to eliminate the unpredictability of managing UCD, reducing the heavy care burden and costs associated with lost income and time spent accessing health services. It also has the potential to improve the quality and quantity of life of sufferers, by improving both acute and chronic care management. It would also reduce the burden on the health service, reducing costs and improving efficiency and workflow.