New Horizons Diagnostics Corp. (NHD)

was founded in 1981. It has developed rapid microbial detection technologies, including the first gold-based immunoassay and a luminescent-based ATP detection System that discriminates microbial from somatic cell responses.

Innovation and critical alliances have hallmarked the continuing success of New Horizons. The company has expanded its technology base to include the prevention and treatment of autoimmune and infectious diseases. These include the use of humanized anti-cytokine monoclonal antibodies and the treatment of bacterial infection with Phage associated lytic enzymes. New test formats include a hand held ultra-sensitive fluorescence system and methods for testing oral fluids with point-of-care diagnostic devices.

The company specializes in the development of unique technologies that have been designed to rapidly detect, treat, or decontaminate the presence of selected microorganisms. Currently, NHD manufactures test kits designed to identify microorganisms associated with (a) infectious diseases in animals and humans; (b) food contamination; (c) biological warfare; and (d) environmental hazards.

Historical accomplishments include the following:

1. FDA 510k issued for monoclonal antibody based assay for infectious diseases (1983)
2. First colloidal gold-based assay (1984)
3. Developed and manufactured all of the rapid diagnostic tests used by the military during the first Gulf War. Received special recommendation from General Norman Schwartkopf for our contribution. (1990 – 1991)
4. First rapid field-based assay for Cholera (1992)
5. Assay functional in zero gravity for use by NASA (1994)
6. Rapid 5-minute test developed for on-site total bacterial count used for determining food safety. Test validated by the USDA. (1998)
7. Use of Phage Lytic Enzymes as a preventative and treatment against bacterial infections (2000)
8. Use of humanized anti-gamma interferon to control the inflammatory response in skin (2001, 2020)
9. Phage Lytic Enzymes for treatment of disease (2002)
10. Phage Lytic Enzyme – ATP detection system used with the Profile-1 bioluminometer for the specific identification of microbial pathogens. (2004)

Though we initially focused on the rapid detection of infectious disease in humans, we further expanded into the detection of infectious disease in animals as well as the detection of bacteria and other analytes in food and water samples. NHD also developed the utilization of lytic enzymes from Bacteriophage for treatments and preventatives as well as decontamination of bacteria. The company continues to provide rapid detection and collection systems to First Responders, Military, Point-of-Care, laboratory and others world-wide.

Currently NHD is working with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) on several projects. Since 2019, NHD has been developing an FDA-approved Sensitive Membrane Antigen Rapid TestTM (SMART TM) for the detection of Yesinia pestis, also known as the Plague.

In 2020, NHD began developing two new projects with DTRA to develop a unique approach to COVID-19. Our goal is to create a rapid, reliable, and sensitive lateral flow immunoassay test by using research from enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and Peptide Microarray.

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