SaltCheck Demonstrates Viability of Point-of-Care Sodium Test for Hypertension Sufferers
19-Jan-2009
Boston, Massachusetts - SaltCheck, Inc. announced the completion of a 100 subject trial demonstrating the viability of its point-of-care test to measure salt intake in the human body. Regular monitoring, and most importantly trend monitoring, is a critical component in the control of hypertension and congestive heart failure. The SaltCheck product provides immediate feedback on sodium levels in the urine using a standard dipstick approach and can be conducted at home or in the physician's office.
The World Health Organization estimates there are over 600 million people globally who suffer from hypertension. For most people, blood pressure increases with increased salt intake and falls with reduced intake. The National Institute of Health specifically recommends limiting intake of salt upon diagnosis of hypertension.
The trial demonstrated the ability to use a simple spot check of urine to accurately estimate the level of sodium in a patient’s urine. The SaltCheck test correctly indicates whether a patient’s sodium content is low or not with a sensitivity and specificity of 70% and 80%, respectively.
At the same time, the test solves serious drawbacks with the current laboratory standard that requires a 24-hour urine collection with laboratory follow-up. “The lab test is known for its inaccuracies due in large part to incomplete collections reflecting just how difficult it is for patients to collect all their urine over a 24-hour period. It is also not widely used due to the cumbersome nature of this test,” commented Marc Eichenberger, COO of Allied Minds, the parent company of SaltCheck.
Additionally, owing to the ease of use and accuracy of results, SaltCheck will dramatically improve the management of hypertension. At 6,000 mg/day, average sodium intake in the U.S. is double the recommended daily dose. Research with physicians suggests they would significantly increase sodium testing of their patients and that patient compliance with drug and dietary prescriptions would also increase, ultimately improving the quality of life for millions of hypertension sufferers.
“We are extremely pleased with the results from this significant trial and the commercial progress to-date of the company. We very much look forward to bringing this groundbreaking test to the market to help hypertension suffers around the world,” added Mr. Eichenberger.
About SaltCheck, Inc. and Allied Minds, Inc.
SaltCheck is a privately-held startup company formed by Allied Minds, Inc. to commercialize a groundbreaking patient salt intake monitoring system that doesn’t require laboratory facilities. The technology was originally developed by SaltCheck founders, Drs. Samuel Mann and Linda Gerber. For more information, please visit the SaltCheck website: www.saltcheck.com.
Allied Minds, Inc. is the premier seed organization for early-stage technology. The company focuses on converting academic discoveries into commercial reality by working exclusively with a network of U.S. universities and national labs. By filling the gap between government grants and traditional venture capitalists, Allied Minds focuses on funding innovations with significant transformative potential. Instead of managing funds, the company fosters early-stage companies through to success, generating value for all stakeholders. Allied Minds has a nationwide footprint with offices in Boston, Seattle, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, and a European presence in London, United Kingdom. Website: www.alliedminds.com
For additional information contact;
Marc Eichenberger, COO
Allied Minds, Inc.
(781) 353-6404
Marc.eichenberger@alliedminds.com
The World Health Organization estimates there are over 600 million people globally who suffer from hypertension. For most people, blood pressure increases with increased salt intake and falls with reduced intake. The National Institute of Health specifically recommends limiting intake of salt upon diagnosis of hypertension.
The trial demonstrated the ability to use a simple spot check of urine to accurately estimate the level of sodium in a patient’s urine. The SaltCheck test correctly indicates whether a patient’s sodium content is low or not with a sensitivity and specificity of 70% and 80%, respectively.
At the same time, the test solves serious drawbacks with the current laboratory standard that requires a 24-hour urine collection with laboratory follow-up. “The lab test is known for its inaccuracies due in large part to incomplete collections reflecting just how difficult it is for patients to collect all their urine over a 24-hour period. It is also not widely used due to the cumbersome nature of this test,” commented Marc Eichenberger, COO of Allied Minds, the parent company of SaltCheck.
Additionally, owing to the ease of use and accuracy of results, SaltCheck will dramatically improve the management of hypertension. At 6,000 mg/day, average sodium intake in the U.S. is double the recommended daily dose. Research with physicians suggests they would significantly increase sodium testing of their patients and that patient compliance with drug and dietary prescriptions would also increase, ultimately improving the quality of life for millions of hypertension sufferers.
“We are extremely pleased with the results from this significant trial and the commercial progress to-date of the company. We very much look forward to bringing this groundbreaking test to the market to help hypertension suffers around the world,” added Mr. Eichenberger.
About SaltCheck, Inc. and Allied Minds, Inc.
SaltCheck is a privately-held startup company formed by Allied Minds, Inc. to commercialize a groundbreaking patient salt intake monitoring system that doesn’t require laboratory facilities. The technology was originally developed by SaltCheck founders, Drs. Samuel Mann and Linda Gerber. For more information, please visit the SaltCheck website: www.saltcheck.com.
Allied Minds, Inc. is the premier seed organization for early-stage technology. The company focuses on converting academic discoveries into commercial reality by working exclusively with a network of U.S. universities and national labs. By filling the gap between government grants and traditional venture capitalists, Allied Minds focuses on funding innovations with significant transformative potential. Instead of managing funds, the company fosters early-stage companies through to success, generating value for all stakeholders. Allied Minds has a nationwide footprint with offices in Boston, Seattle, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, and a European presence in London, United Kingdom. Website: www.alliedminds.com
For additional information contact;
Marc Eichenberger, COO
Allied Minds, Inc.
(781) 353-6404
Marc.eichenberger@alliedminds.com
