To improve blood-draw process for personalized nutrition product, Thorne Research partners with Drawbridge Health

14-Dec-2017 - Last updated on 14-Dec-2017 at 18:07 GMT

iStock / Marekuliasz

Thorne Research announced that it is partnering with diagnostic testing firm Drawbridge Health to “integrate blood draw, collection, and sample stabilization into a single device,” the company said in a statement.

“We are extremely excited about bringing this game-changing blood collection technology to our customers,” said Paul Jacobson, CEO of Thorne Research.

“The blood draw experience has long been the Achilles’ heel in the health and wellness market and we believe the Drawbridge solution has the potential to both improve the customer experience and provide health insights to more patients than ever before,” he added.

Beyond its wide portfolio of dietary supplements sold through the healthcare practitioner channel, Thorne Research acquired majority ownership of personalized nutrition company WellnessFX back in 2013.

This added at-home blood biomarker tests to the company’s product offering. “By leveraging its sophisticated analytical software, Thorne helps consumers uncover health insights and confidently take action to optimize healthier outcomes,” according to the company.

Test results can help consumers personalize a plan on what to eat, how to exercise, and what Thorne supplements to take.

Broadening the availability and access to diagnostic testing

Thorne’s partnership with Drawdridge Health has a goal of “broadening the availability and access to diagnostic testing and providing a convenient way to monitor overall health,” according to a statement announcing the partnership.

Details of this new format have not been shared, and Drawbridge is currently seeking FDA clearance for the blood collection system.

As part of the terms of agreement, Thorne Research is investing a multimillion dollar sum into Drawbridge Health. Additionally, Jacobson will join the Drawbridge Board of Directors.

“Our strategic collaboration with Thorne brings tremendous value and validation to the Drawbridge platform,” said Lee McCracken, CEO of Drawbridge Health. “Partnering with a proven leader in the health and wellness industry opens the door to significant opportunities within this important and rapidly growing market segment. We certainly welcome the addition of Paul Jacobson to our Board.”