The number of high-profile athletes suffering from neurodegenerative disease, the result of repeated concussions during their sports career, has raised awareness of the problems associated with recurrent concussions and the resulting brain trauma. Concussions in athletes are very common. About 3.8 million concussions occur each year in the U.S. from sports-related injuries. The CDC estimates that 5-10% of athletes will experience a concussion in any given sports season. Many of these injuries go unreported and undiagnosed, leading to mismanagement and premature return to activity. Concussion symptoms are non-specific and can be frustratingly hard to diagnose. 

Conan MedTech is producing a rapid POC diagnostic test for concussions that can be performed on the sidelines. The company’s lateral flow device uses highly specific monoclonal antibodies to recognize neuronal biomarkers, which show up in saliva immediately after concussions.