Quest Diagnostics accepted a second development plan from Ciphergen under their existing strategic alliance agreement. In addition to the current ovarian tumor triage test, Quest Diagnostics will now also assist Ciphergen in the development of a blood-based assay for the detection of peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Ciphergen is working with Stanford University to develop a blood test that will help physicians in the diagnosis of PAD. Similar to cardiovascular disease, PAD is caused by the buildup of fat and cholesterol in the peripheral arteries and disrupts normal bloodflow leading to stenosis.