Abstract: Our goal at Quanterix is to develop technologies to reliably measure molecular markers at extremely low concentrations in blood (and other fluids) that, in many cases, are undetectable using conventional technologies. These measurements provide unique insight into the role of biomarkers in human health, and has enabled researchers and clinicians to better characterize the continuum between health and disease. The resolution of single analyte molecules provides the ultimate analytical limit for a biomarker in blood, so we have focused on the development of robust single molecule detection technologies. In this presentation, we will describe the development of single molecule arrays (Simoa) for the detection of proteins at subfemtomolar concentrations, and their use in a number of research and clinical application areas. In particular, the use of Simoa to determine neurological health by profiling markers in blood, and the progress towards blood tests for diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease will be discussed. The ultimate goal of these technologies is to rapidly provide accurate and precise molecular profiles directly to humans. To this end, we will discuss the technologies required to enable the measurement of single molecule biomarker profiles at the point of care and, ultimately, in a wearable device.

Bio: David C. Duffy, PhD, is Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Quanterix Corporation. Dr. Duffy joined Quanterix in 2007 and leads the team of scientists and engineers developing its Single Molecule Array (Simoa) technology. Dr. Duffy was previously at Surface Logix, Gamera Biosciences, and Unilever. Dr. Duffy was a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University, and was the first Sir Alan Wilson Research Fellow of Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge. Dr. Duffy obtained his doctoral and bachelor degrees at the University of Cambridge. Dr. Duffy has 20 U.S. patents and more than 30 publications in the fields of surface chemistry, microfluidics, and single molecule diagnostics.