Atossa Genetics
Atossa Genetics is a Seattle-based healthcare firm that specializes in breast health. The company focuses on the development and marketing of diagnostic tests which help determine the risk of breast cancer and responsive treatment programs.
The company is named after the Persian Queen Atossa, who became the first recorded woman in history with breast cancer around 470 B.C.
History
In 2000 Dr. Steven Quay, a physician specializing in biological chemistry, invented a preventative screening method to identify precursors to breast cancer and to treat precancerous lesions.
Quay founded Atossa Genetics in 2009. The company went public and became listed on the NASDAQ STOCK exchange under the symbol ATOS in 2012. In January of 2013, Atossa launched the ForeCYTE Breast Health Test system. Atossa voluntarily recalled the system following an FDA warning letter that stated it needed additional FDA clearance due to changes made to the system following the FDA's prior approval.
Diagnostic testing
The ArgusCYTE test draws data from a blood sample to monitor any recurrence of tumor cells in the body.