BANYAN BIOMARKERS, INC.
SAN DIEGO, CA

"Our vision is to lead the world in delivering diagnostic products and enabling medical breakthroughs to improve outcomes for patients suffering with neurological injuries and diseases." Banyan Biomarkers is developing the first objective blood test that may rule out the need for CT scans in patients with suspected mild traumatic brain injury. The company was founded in 2002 by scientists from the University of Florida McKnight Brain Institute with the vision to commercialize in vitro diagnostic tests for the detection of brain injury and neurological diseases. Banyan Biomarkers has made significant progress in developing and clinically validating novel enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for traumatic brain injury. Banyan scientists have created an extensive pipeline of potential biomarkers and the company has a robust intellectual property portfolio The banyan tree is a generic term for a variety of species of fig tree found all over the world. It has the amazing ability to grow strong roots around existing structures creating intricate and beautiful designs. Additionally, the banyan tree can live over 300 years and is a central figure in Asian mythology. In fact, it is believed that Buddha achieved enlightenment while meditating under the banyan tree. The brain has many commonalities with the banyan tree including its complexity, ability to grow and mature, and the ability to adapt to various obstacles and hurdles. Banyan Biomarkers knows the brain is wonderfully complex but, at times, may be put at risk because of various diseases or injuries. That is why we help provide insight into the brain and enlightenment for those seeking to cure its various ailments. Banyan Biomarkers is developing Banyan Ubiquitin C-terminal Hydrolase-L1 (GFAP) which are two novel protein biomarkers that are brain specific and detectable in the blood shortly after TBI. UCH-L1 is primarily found in neurons and is involved in cellular protein regulation. GFAP is a member of the intermediate filament family of cytoskeletal proteins which form polymeric networks that provide structural support to glia to support and nourish cells in the brain. Banyan believes that accurate diagnosis of TBI in acute care environments could significantly simplify decisions about patient management including whether to admit or discharge from the hospital. Our Mission