VitaPath Genetics is developing DNA tests intended to identify women at high risk for birth defects, with an initial focus on genetic risk factors linked to spina bifida. Its first product is a test for certain genetic risk factors researchers believe are associated with spina bifida. The company hopes to help prevent the defect by identifying at-risk women who can be treated with folic acid, which researchers say can reduce risk by as much as 70 percent when taken before and early in pregnancy. VitaPath is sponsoring collaborative research with UCSF, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland to validate its test and improve genetic understanding of spina bifida. The company has raised $5 million of a targeted $7.3 million round, according to a regulatory filing, and previously raised a $6 million Series A in 2009. Management includes founder and CEO Dennis Gilbert and CFO Richard Taylor. The company is based in Foster City, Georgia. VitaPath Genetics is a molecular diagnostics company based in Foster City, California, focused on developing diagnostic assays. The company is advancing its first assay and plans to validate and commercialize it. In October 2009 it closed a $6M Series A round led by MDV‑Mohr Davidow Ventures. The Series A was an equity financing that included X/Seed Capital, which had originally seeded the company and co‑invested in this round. Proceeds will be used to complete validation of the first assay and prepare for commercial launch.

Total raised

$11M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Aug 2012