Adaptive Biotechnologies Launches T-Detect COVID Test, a Machine Learning-Powered Diagnostic Tool for Prior COVID-19 Infections

Strategic Insights -

Adaptive Biotechnologies, in partnership with Microsoft, has introduced a groundbreaking diagnostic test called T-Detect COVID, which utilizes machine learning technology to detect previous coronavirus infections. The test has been granted an emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has shown a sensitivity of 97.1% from the date of diagnosis using RT-PCR, as well as 100% specificity. This innovative test is the first to screen for T-cell responses against COVID-19 in the blood, providing a new avenue for individuals to determine if they have been infected.

Key Takeaways:

  • Adaptive Biotechnologies' T-Detect COVID test has been granted an EUA by the FDA, allowing it to detect prior COVID-19 infections using an individual's T-cell profile.
  • The test has shown a sensitivity of 97.1% from the date of diagnosis using RT-PCR and 100% specificity.
  • T-Detect COVID is the first screening to detect past COVID-19 infections using an individual's T-cell profile, which assesses the T cell immune response to COVID-19.
  • The collaboration between Adaptive Biotechnologies and Microsoft played a key role in developing the T cell-based test, utilizing cloud computing and machine learning technology.
  • Microsoft's machine learning and cloud computing technology enabled the company to complete 10 years of research in about 10 weeks.
  • Adaptive's work marks the first commercially available T-cell test that confirms recent or prior SARS-CoV-2 infections in people.
  • The ImmuneCODE database, launched by Adaptive and Microsoft, provides a detailed population-level view into the adaptive immune response to the virus and is freely available to researchers.
  • Microsoft invested $45 million in Adaptive Biotechnologies two years ago as part of its partnership, placing a big bet on the use of its cloud technology in life sciences and Adaptive's capabilities to improve disease detection.

Statistics:

  • 97.1% sensitivity from the date of diagnosis using RT-PCR
  • 100% specificity
  • $45 million invested by Microsoft in Adaptive Biotechnologies as part of its partnership
  • 10 years of research completed in about 10 weeks thanks to Microsoft's machine learning and cloud computing technology
  • The ImmuneCODE database provides a detailed population-level view into the adaptive immune response to the virus, with data available to researchers.

Sources:

  • "FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Adaptive Biotechnologies T-Detect COVID Test" (https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-adaptive-biotechnologies-t-detect-covid-test)
  • Adaptive Biotechnologies (https://www.adaptivebiotech.com/)
  • Fierce Healthcare (https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/)
  • CNBC (https://www.cnbc.com/)