Monica Embers, PhD, Tulane University Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology, head of the Education and Training Program, and Director of Vector-borne Disease Research at the Tulane National Primate Research Center, is taking on another impressive role—Co-Founder of ACES Diagnostics. This company will offer the first clinical diagnostic test of Lyme Disease for early and disseminated Lyme that is 90% accurate. Current tests are only 28% accurate in early Lyme disease (Horn, J Clin Microbiol. 2020) and less than 50% accurate overall (Cook, Int J Gen Med. 2016). This new biomarker blood test will allow for timely and accurate diagnosis of the disease during the phase when it is most treatable and curable. Renowned for her research on Lyme disease transmission, pathogenesis, and treatment, Embers is stepping into the entrepreneurial arena with a company poised to impact millions of lives globally.
In the United States, Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease, resulting from an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas (Kugeler, Emerg Infect Dis, 2021). More than 1.17 billion people worldwide have been shown to have antibodies to the bacteria that causes Lyme in their blood, indicating exposure (Dong, BMJ Glob Health, 2022).
Embers' startup journey started with her involvement in the Obama Administration's 21st Century Cures Act subcommittee for tick-borne diseases. As the chair of the Diagnostics Subcommittee, she forged meaningful relationships with top researchers and foundation leaders. This pivotal path to partnerships ultimately led to the establishment of ACES Diagnostics, with three additional co-founders, who each bring unique skills and expertise to this new venture— Tammy Crawford, Chief Executive Officer; Holly Ahern, Chief Scientific Officer; and Todd Snowden, Chief Development Officer. Embers will serve as the Chief Research Officer.
ACES Diagnostics is driven by passion and persistence. Using its founders' combined expertise and AI technology to advance this scientific breakthrough, the company is launching a flagship test, LYMESEEK ™, which can detect Lyme disease within the first 14 days of infection, a period often missed by existing tests. LYMESEEK ™ expands the scope of diagnostic assays by integrating advanced machine-learning algorithms to analyze patient samples. Their multi-antigen test boasts an initial accuracy rate of 89%, with an overall accuracy of 91% across all phases of Lyme disease.
Crawford, the founder of the FOCUS ON LYME foundation, and Ahern have personally experienced the frustrations of diagnosing and treating Lyme disease. This is because both have daughters who were exposed to the disease. Their first-hand struggles of caring for their children fueled their determination to find early and accurate diagnoses as well as effective treatments.
Snowden, the Chief Development Officer, brings ACES Diagnostics over 30 years of experience in life sciences companies as a global sales director for companies in molecular diagnostics, laboratory services, and medical devices.
Embers stresses the significance of collaboration among this group of founders in reaching their goals. The synergy between committed advocates, experienced scientists, and professional business acumen has been essential in overcoming the obstacles that had previously hindered attempts to bring such an accurate test to market.
ACES Diagnostics, a fitting acronym, stands for the initials of each founder’s last name. They are currently finalizing a manufacturing agreement, navigating the FDA approval process, and raising capital investment. Tulane University and the Focus on Lyme Foundation will serve as co-licensors of LYMESEEK. ACES Diagnostics hopes to have the test available to the public by the third quarter of 2026.
“We are thrilled to be able to support Embers and faculty like her at the Institute – her passion for her work has led to some incredible innovations in Lyme treatment and diagnostics,” said Clay Christian, Executive Director for Commercialization at the Tulane University Innovation Institute.
This new enterprise demonstrates how purpose, science, technology advancements, and university support can converge to accelerate innovation and deliver life-changing technologies to those who need them most.
