In a significant development for emergency medicine and neurology, Cambridge-based Upfront Diagnostics has raised $4.3 million to accelerate the commercialisation of its innovative stroke detection blood test, LVOne.
The funding, led by Phoenix Investments and supported by Cambridge Enterprise Ventures and SBRI Healthcare, is set to bring this groundbreaking diagnostic tool to healthcare systems in the UK and potentially to global markets.
The LVOne test offers a fast, accurate, and non-invasive method for confirming strokes. This development is critical in a field where every minute can determine the outcome for a patient.
What Is LVOne?
LVOne is a blood-based diagnostic test designed to rapidly identify whether a person is experiencing a stroke. Traditional methods typically depend on neurological assessments and brain imaging techniques, such as CT or MRI scans.
While effective, these methods can be slow to access, especially in rural or under-resourced settings. LVOne offers a lab-based alternative that delivers reliable results quickly and without the need for expensive imaging equipment.
The test detects biomarkers in the blood that are released when a stroke occurs. These molecules signal changes in the brain, such as tissue damage, and can provide evidence of a stroke even before imaging is available.
This early detection capability means clinicians can make more informed decisions faster, potentially even in pre-hospital settings like ambulances or urgent care clinics.
The story of LVOne began in Cambridge, where a team of scientists and clinicians came together to address one of the biggest challenges in stroke care. This, being delayed diagnosis.
Despite improvements in stroke treatment, many patients still suffer from missed treatment windows due to the time it takes to confirm a diagnosis. Upfront Diagnostics was founded to close this gap by creating a test that could bring high-quality stroke diagnostics out of the hospital and into the field.
Development began several years ago with clinical trials conducted in collaboration with (National Health Service) NHS institutions and academic researchers. These trials helped validate the test’s effectiveness and laid the groundwork for regulatory approval. The new funding round is a major turning point, enabling the company to scale up production, expand clinical trials, and begin the regulatory processes required for wide-scale implementation.
The science behind LVOne centres on a panel of biomarkers. These include proteins and molecules which are released by neurons and supporting brain cells during a stroke.
These markers differ between ischemic strokes, which result from a blood clot, and hemorrhagic strokes, which are caused by bleeding in the brain. LVOne’s ability to distinguish between stroke types is critical for guiding the appropriate medical response.
LVOne delivers results in about 15 to 30 minutes. The test is being developed for use in emergency departments, ambulances, and eventually in point-of-care clinics.
It is designed to be easy to administer and interpret, even by medical professionals without specialised radiology training. This means that stroke diagnosis can potentially be initiated much earlier, particularly in remote areas or during transport to a hospital.
In time-sensitive situations, such as when differentiating strokes from conditions like migraines, seizures, or transient ischemic attacks, the value of such a tool is immense. Quick diagnosis leads to quicker treatment, and in stroke care, that can mean preventing permanent disability or death.
The Far-Reaching Impact of LVOne
The implications that LVOne can have on medical science and emergency care are far-reaching. At scale, it could redefine how stroke protocols are handled. Paramedics could use the test en route to the hospital, giving emergency rooms a critical head start for planning treatment. Hospitals could use it to assess patients more efficiently, reducing wait times and improving overall patient flow. In research settings, LVOne could be used to better identify and categorise stroke patients for clinical studies, improving the development of new therapies.
Stroke Diagnosis Advancements Through The Years
The last decade has brought several important advancements in stroke prevention and treatment. Mechanical thrombectomy has become a standard intervention for large vessel blockages, significantly improving outcomes for many patients. Mobile stroke units with on-board CT scanners have appeared in some cities, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment in the field.
Wearable technology and artificial intelligence tools are now used to monitor at-risk individuals for atrial fibrillation, a leading cause of stroke. Telemedicine platforms have further enabled neurologists to provide remote consultations in emergency rooms where specialists are not available.
These innovations have expanded the reach and quality of stroke care, but they all depend on timely detection. This is where LVOne is expected to have the greatest impact, through acting as the first line of defense when symptoms appear.