GlycanDx-MODY - a glycomics precision diagnostic assay for MODY diabetes

GlycanDx-MODY is a test to identify patients with HNF1A-type Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY). This is a type of diabetes affecting up to 4% of diabetics (40K-160K cases in the UK) that can be treated with inexpensive oral drugs. Most MODY patients are misdiagnosed and prescribed insulin, which does not treat their disease, is inconvenient and expensive. In the long term, patients have a higher risk of blindness, kidney disease and heart disease. There are genetic tests available, but they are not widely used by GPs because they are too expensive and the results are difficult to interpret. This is a collaborative project led by Ludger, an Oxford based bioscience company, along with non-funded partners Genos (European SME) and OCDEM (Oxford diabetes research group). In a study of 200 diabetes patients the test positively identified those with HNF1A-MODY. The test is affordable (quarter of the price of genetic tests), quick (~ 3 days turnaround) and the results are easy to interpret. We would like to further develop this assay for routine clinical use as a diagnostic or screening tool. This Feasiblity Study is to plan the next stage in development and commercialisation of the test which will result in a blueprint to progress the project efficiently for the benefit of patients.