Elizabeth Holmes, CEO of the startup lab testing company, Theranos, will speak during a special session at the 68th AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo in Philadelphia. For the first time, Holmes will present data that clearly lays out how Theranos’s technology works to process the full range of laboratory tests from a few drops of blood. She also will answer questions from scientific experts at the conclusion of her talk.
AACC on April 18 announced Holmes’ upcoming appearance. “There is no better place to present Theranos’ technology than at the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting, where leaders in laboratory medicine can evaluate Ms. Holmes’ data and research,” said AACC CEO Janet B. Kreizman. “AACC members have been asking for this information since Theranos launched, and we are thrilled that Ms. Holmes is presenting the science behind the technology for the first time at AACC, the premier scientific forum for laboratory medicine.” Kreizman emphasized that Holmes’ appearance at AACC does not reflect an endorsement of Theranos, or its products or services.
Holmes founded Theranos at age 19, dropping out of Stanford University’s chemical engineering program to pursue her dream of revolutionizing lab testing by collecting mere drops of blood and processing an extensive range of tests from fingerprick samples, offering low-cost services with a public price list, and making testing widely available to consumers.
In July 2015, the company received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its patented finger stick and venous blood testing technology, its test system, and an assay for herpes simplex 1 virus (HSV-1) IgG.
The scientific community has criticized Theranos for not being more forthcoming about its technologies, methods, and studies. Amidst heavy media coverage suggesting problems with the company’s processes, FDA and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have had an ongoing dialogue with Theranos about its testing practices and compliance with CLIA regulations. CMS recently proposed sanctions against the company, which are being appealed.
While continuing to work with federal regulators to address their concerns, Theranos in April 2016 announced the addition of nationally recognized laboratory and medical experts to its scientific and medical board, including four former AACC presidents: Susan A. Evans, PhD, FACB; Ann M. Gronowski, PhD, DABCC; Larry J. Kricka, D. Phil, FRCPath; and Jack Ladenson, PhD, DABCC.
In her presentation at the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting on August 1 at 12:00 p.m. Holmes is expected to discuss Theranos’s technology and study results. A question and answer session is planned at the conclusion of her presentation, followed by a news conference.
Registration is open for the 68th AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo.