Molecular recognition is fundamental to effective disease detection and treatment, and detecting and manipulating biomolecules that underly illnesses such as cancer or heart disease early and effectively could revolutionize diagnostic testing. UCSB graduate students Scott Ferguson, Qiang (Jackson) Gong, and Jinpeng (JP) Wang sought to solve this problem by launching Aptitude Medical Systems. The company got its start in UCSB’s New Venture Competition, where they were awarded best business plan and most fundable venture. In 2011, Aptitude Medical Systems opened their doors as a biotech start up. They aim to improve antibody technology through their own synthetic version of molecules that can detect or treat diseases in ways that are not possible with previous antibody technologies.
Aptitude’s vision is to revolutionize molecular recognition by unlocking new and advantageous uses of aptamers, enabling the interaction with key molecules in ways that have been previously out of reach. Their next-generation aptamers have an expanded target range; rapid development and production time; multi-specificity; and unprecedented performance, stability, and application capabilities. These advances can ultimately enable early detection of proteins for cancer, auto immune, heart disease, and personalized drug response and can enable novel longer lasting and more efficacious treatments for debilitating diseases such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Aptitude created a simple, accurate, and easy-to-use diagnostic platform that fits in the palm of the hand and allows anyone to run a complex lab-quality PCR test in their own hands in minutes. Their lead product, Metrix® COVID-19 Test, is the first FDA-authorized molecular diagnostic test to work with saliva or swab samples for at-home and over-the-counter use without physician supervision.
In 2014, Aptitude received a $223,839 grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The purpose of the grant was to aid in research to develop a device for diabetes patients that would more accurately control glucose levels. That same year, Aptitude was awarded four Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants bringing in over two million dollars. Aptitude has also been the recipient of a $1.7 million Fast Track SBIR grant from the National Institute of Health’s Small Business Innovation Research Grants and has obtained several discovery and development partnerships from multiple diagnostics and pharmaceutical companies. In 2025, Aptitude was awarded a contract modification worth up to $8.25M from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). This funding will support the development of Avian H5 Influenza detection capabilities on the Metrix® platform.
Learn more about Aptitude Medical Systems: http://www.aptitudemedical.com