Augurex Life Sciences Corp., a leading innovator in autoimmune-based diagnostics, today announced a strategic partnership with MitogenDx, a Canadian specialty laboratory focused on autoimmune and rheumatology testing. Under the agreement, MitogenDx will offer Augurex’s JOINTstat® blood test, significantly expanding access to advanced diagnostic and disease-monitoring tools for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for clinicians and patients across Canada.
“This partnership with MitogenDx represents a major step forward in making JOINTstat® more widely available in Alberta and nationwide,” said Neil Klompas, Chief Executive Officer of Augurex. “MitogenDx’s expertise and reputation in autoimmune diagnostics make them the ideal partner to help clinicians diagnose RA earlier, monitor disease progression more effectively, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients across the country.”
JOINTstat® is a Health Canada Class II in vitro diagnostic blood test that measures levels of 14-3-3eta, a biomarker specifically associated with RA. Elevated levels of 14-3-3eta correlate with more severe disease and an increased risk of joint damage, complementing existing RA markers to enhance diagnostic sensitivity. This is particularly valuable for patients with early-stage or seronegative RA, who may otherwise be more challenging to diagnose. Beyond diagnosis, 14-3-3eta also provides critical insight into disease progression and treatment response, enabling clinicians to make more informed therapeutic decisions and optimize long-term patient care.
MitogenDx, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, is a recognized leader in autoimmune and connective tissue disease testing. Founded by Dr. Marvin Fritzler, a pioneer in rheumatology research and diagnostics, the laboratory is known for providing high-quality, clinically actionable testing that supports precise and informed patient management. By integrating JOINTstat® into its portfolio, MitogenDx strengthens its role as a national leader in autoimmune diagnostics and enhances its ability to support rheumatologists in delivering personalized patient care.
“The integration of JOINTstat® into our testing services represents an important advancement in precision diagnostics for autoimmune disease care in Canada,” said Dr. Marvin Fritzler, MD, PhD, Founder and Medical Director of MitogenDx. “Rheumatologists increasingly require biomarkers that provide actionable insights beyond initial diagnosis. JOINTstat® delivers that next level of understanding by tracking disease activity and treatment response, helping physicians tailor therapies and improve patient outcomes.”
The expanded availability of JOINTstat® through MitogenDx will be accessible to ordering physicians via the laboratory’s network beginning January 1, 2026. This milestone underscores Augurex’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to advanced autoimmune diagnostics, not only in Canada but globally, and reflects the company’s broader mission to transform the management of rheumatoid arthritis through innovative biomarkers.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects millions worldwide, causing joint inflammation, pain, and progressive disability if left untreated. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for preventing irreversible joint damage and optimizing long-term patient health. Traditional diagnostic markers, while useful, can sometimes miss early-stage or seronegative RA cases. JOINTstat® addresses this gap by measuring 14-3-3eta, offering clinicians a reliable tool for earlier detection and more precise monitoring of disease progression.
“By offering JOINTstat® through our laboratory network, we are enabling physicians to make better-informed decisions regarding treatment and disease management,” added Dr. Fritzler. “This kind of advanced biomarker testing represents a shift toward precision medicine in rheumatology, where interventions can be tailored to the unique disease profile of each patient.”
The collaboration between Augurex and MitogenDx exemplifies a growing trend in healthcare toward partnerships that expand access to innovative diagnostics. By combining Augurex’s expertise in biomarker development with MitogenDx’s laboratory excellence and clinical reach, the partnership is poised to improve outcomes for RA patients across Canada, providing both physicians and patients with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of autoimmune disease.
“This is an exciting advancement for the RA community,” said Neil Klompas. “Through strategic partnerships like this, we can accelerate the adoption of next-generation diagnostics, empower clinicians with actionable insights, and ultimately enhance the standard of care for patients living with rheumatoid arthritis.”
As JOINTstat® becomes more widely available, Augurex continues to demonstrate its leadership in the field of autoimmune diagnostics, reinforcing its commitment to improving disease detection, monitoring, and patient outcomes. The company plans to build on this momentum, further expanding access to JOINTstat® and other innovative biomarker solutions globally, helping to usher in a new era of precision medicine for autoimmune conditions.
