Upfront Diagnostics has launched a pioneering clinical study in Puerto Rico to evaluate its novel stroke blood test, LVOne.
The study, titled COPILOT, will assess the clinical effectiveness of LVOne in patients presenting with suspected stroke. The trial, which has received IRB approval, is ready to commence and will run for a minimum of 24 months at Hospital Menonita Caguas, Puerto Rico. It represents a major milestone for stroke care on the Caribbean island and potentially around the world.
Stroke remains a critical public health issue in Puerto Rico, representing the leading cause of long-term disability on the island. The high prevalence of risk factors, combined with significant mortality rates and healthcare disparities, underscores the urgent need for improved diagnostic and treatment strategies.
One of the most time-sensitive and dangerous forms of stroke is large vessel occlusion (LVO). Rapid identification of LVO is essential, as timely intervention - such as mechanical thrombectomy - can drastically reduce long-term disability and improve patient outcomes.
Dr Juan C Vicenty Padilla (pictured above, right), who will serve as Principal Investigator, stated: “This is important work for Puerto Ricans and the global community. We are proud to drive this disruptive trial forward.”
Dr Joshua Bernstock, Chief Medical Director at Upfront Diagnostics, added: “This clinical study could open the door to transforming stroke management globally. We’re thrilled to see LVOne’s impact in real-world clinical settings.”
Dr Rodolfo Alcedo-Guardia (pictured, left), Co-Investigator and Chairman of Neurosurgery at Hospital Menonita, emphasised the urgency: “Stroke is a colossal problem, and many patients go untreated simply because we can’t diagnose them in time. This technology will change that.”
Founded in Cambridge, UK in 2017, Upfront Diagnostics is redefining emergency stroke care through innovative point-of-care technology. The company’s flagship product, LVOne, is a compact and portable rapid blood test that can distinguish stroke types in minutes.
Hospital Menonita Caguas has revolutionised stroke care in Puerto Rico. It is currently the only stroke centre on the island offering year-round, 24/7 stroke coverage, providing critical, life-saving services to nearly three million US citizens. The hospital is also home to a comprehensive neuroscience group, uniting experts across multiple specialties to deliver state-of-the-art care for complex neurological conditions.