Seraphina Therapeutics partners with Genova Diagnostics to introduce at-home test that measures levels of pentadecanoic acid

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Seraphina Therapeutics (San Diego, CA) has announced a partnership with Genova Diagnostics to introduce the Fatty15 C15:0 Test. According to the news release, the at-home test represents a critical advancement in understanding and addressing a condition called Cellular Fragility Syndrome, which is a newly identified nutritional deficiency that impacts an estimated 1 in 3 people.

A recently published review shows that pentadecanoic acid (C15:0), a newly discovered odd-chain saturated fat, is an essential fatty acid that has a primary role in stabilizing cell membranes and repairing mitochondrial function. In that paper, Stephanie Venn-Watson, DVM, MPH, CEO of Seraphina Therapeutics, explains that deficiency in C15:0 of ≤0.2% total circulating fatty acids increases the risk of ferroptosis, a type of cell death cause by the peroxidation of fragile fatty acids in cell membranes that combines with iron thus increasing reactive oxygen species, and disabling mitochondria. The paper postulates that cell membranes need >0.4% to 0.64% C15:0 to support long term health and reduce the risk of Cellular Fragility Syndrome.

“Our research has revealed that low C15:0 levels cause Cellular Fragility Syndrome, and this nutritional deficiency may explain the rise in type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in younger people. This syndrome underscores the critical need to assess C15:0 levels proactively,” said Venn-Watson, in a press release. One of the reasons for the growing decline in C15:0 levels, says Venn-Watson, is the modern food system in which recommendations have shifted away from foods such as whole fat dairy, a major source of C15:0. Like with omega-3 testing, C15:0 testing allows consumers to change their diets and incorporate supplements, such fatty15, manufactured by Seraphine Therapeutics.

"Genova Diagnostics is excited to be collaborating with Seraphina Therapeutics on this unique project," says Jeff Ledford, CEO of Genova Diagnostics. "Dr. Venn-Watson's research has brought tremendous excitement and attention to the importance of individual fatty acids in the spectrum of human health."