The firm, Phenomix Sciences, anticipates that its test will help drive adoption of medications for obesity at a time when patients are reluctant to take them.
By examining metagenomic data of bacterial species in a patient's gut, the researchers aim to improve diagnosis and long-term nutritional intervention and treatment.
ArcDia will provide Xinhua its biochemical assay components and R&D services in order to localize the Finnish firm's MariPOC testing platform in China.
The spinout of the University of California, Davis Foods For Health Institute intends the test to be used at the point of care in pediatrician's offices.
The platform, which its developers said is well suited to point-of-care testing, uses fluorescent polymers to distinguish between samples from cases and controls.
Exalenz's systems, the BreathID Hp point-of-care system and the BreathID Hp Lab system, were previously cleared by the FDA for use in detecting H. pylori infection in adults.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital have identified markers for earlier detection of the condition, for which patient outcomes hinge on rapid action.
The company said it will use the proceeds to accelerate development of its gastrointestinal platform, including diagnostics and therapeutics for the GI tract.
The firm said that a number of hospitals and labs are expected to evaluate the panel, presenting it with about a $2.0 million annual revenue opportunity.