Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are transported through a specific transporter into the brain: MFSD2a [1-4].
This discovery is a major scientific breakthrough and solves a question that has puzzled scientist for years – How does the brain acquire its lipids during development and throughout life.
These findings and Babynostics’ current research& development efforts are focused on using our knowledge of LPC biology to develop new diagnostic tests and treatments in the areas of:
Maternal blood levels of LPC-lipids that are transported by MFSD2a decrease over the course of pregnancy [1, 2], likely reflecting an increase in fetal demand for these lipids during the rapid development of the brain and other organs.
At birth, circulating levels LPC-lipids transported by MFSD2a are low [3, 4], and in conditions like preterm or small for gestational age infants, LPC-lipids remain low or deficient for an extended period of time [4].
Monitoring blood levels of LPC lipids of pregnant women and infants can identify deficiencies in these important lipids and indicate the need for supplementation or treatment.
Leveraging our knowledge of LPC physiology and pathophysiology, Babynostics is currently developing Diagnostic tests to aid in the identification of both subclinical and pathological alterations of LPC-lipids in a number of at risk populations.
In addition Babynostics is currently developing a Gen 1.0 medical food product for commercialization and launch in 2017.
Babynostics’ current and future focus will be on the development of diagnostics tests and products that provide solutions that target the following areas with unmet medical needs