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FASTER HORSES  EquiSeq decodes equine genetics for better health and performanceBy Leslie LinthicumAt the core of most living things is the genome, the package of genetic materials stored in long molecules of DNA. It’s what makes a person, a whale or a blob of algae grow and develop different characteristics. And it is at the core of developing more effective disease treatments and cures.Scientists around the world have collaborated to map the human genome and continue to work in laboratories to tease out longer pieces of DNA and more complete genomes and to apply genomic discoveries to helping mankind.UNM Professor Jeremy Edwards and retired biology Professor Paul Szauter pursue those ideals, but they also apply those same scientific questions and techniques to horses.Partners in the Albuquerque-based startup EquiSeq, they have already patented and licensed four genetic tests that will allow breeders to screen for common but devastating muscle diseases in horses.And they have hit on a trade secret that could revolutionize Thoroughbred racehorse breeding. It began with a simple question: What made Secretariat, the fastest horse in racing history, run so fast? The answer is that his heart was more than twice the size of a normal horse’s heart. Bigger…

Tuebingen CAG GmbH – Center for Animal Genetics has signed an agreement with EquiSeq to be the exclusive testing center for their Equine Myopathy Panel in Europe. Horse owners can now test their animals without requiring an invasive blood draw or muscle biopsy. Equine Myopathy Panel tests for mutations in three genes associated with Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy type 2 (PSSM2) and a mutation in one gene associated with Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER). These mutations have been detected in affected horses of many breeds, including Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, Arabians, Gaited Horses, Draft Horses, and many pony breeds. Affected horses often do not show symptoms until they have already been used for breeding or have had many years of investment in training. Using genetic testing, owners and breeders can identify an affected horse prior to breeding or extensive training for sport. Veterinarians and other horse health professionals can make specific diagnoses and management plans. Although the diseases cannot be cured, a horse’s quality of life can be substantially improved with a correct diagnosis and the development of an appropriate management plan. More information about the disease and tests can be found on the CAG website . Tests can be ordered and paid for…

By Collin Krabbe – Technology reporter , Albuquerque Business FirstJul 23, 2018, 2:33pm MDT  Albuquerque-based biotechnology company EquiSeq has been busy with two new developments: the hire of a new chief executive and a fresh licensing agreement. Alex Hafez is the firm’s new CEO. He is pursuing a dual-degree from the University of New Mexico in business administration and biomedical science. “I think research is really interesting… [but] I’m more interested in management of biotech companies,” Hafez said. “Growing up, I’ve always found myself in positions of leadership.” The 26-year-old Oregon native said being educated in both the business and science fields gives him a different perspective on the cost of conducting research and development for a private company. The new CEO will not earn a salary in his new position, but will rather be given an undisclosed amount of equity in the company. Business First reported in January that the firm’s previous CEO, Lexi Palmer stepped down due to concerns about the distribution of funds in Albuquerque’s startup scene. Hafez said his appointment comes at an exciting time for EquiSeq, which produces genetic tests for horses. The firm just entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Germany’s Center for…

Albuquerque, NM EquiSeq today disclosed the genes affected by the P2, P3, and P4 genetic variants that are part of its Myopathy Panel. The genetic variants are in part responsible for Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy type 2 (PSSM2), also known as Myofibrillar Myopathy (MFM). The genes affected by the P2, P3, and P4 genetic variants were disclosed at a poster presentation at the 2018 BioVenture Partnership Event at the University of New Mexico on March 7. The P2 genetic variant affects MYOT, the gene encoding myotilin. The P2 variant is a missense allele that causes a nonconservative amino acid substitution in a highly conserved position in the myotilin protein. Myotilin is an actin-binding protein that is part of the Z disc, the part of the sarcomere to which actin thin filaments are anchored. Mutations in human myotilin are the cause of Myofibrillar Myopathy 3 and Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 1A. The P3 genetic variant affects FLNC, the gene encoding filamin C. The P3 genetic variant is a pair of missense alleles that cause two nonconservative amino acid substitutions in highly conserved positions in the filamin C protein. Filamin C is a muscle-specific member of the filamin family, an actin-binding protein that is…

EquiSeq is conducting a study of the effect of myopathy variants (P2, P3, and P4) on Thoroughbred performance. We seek registered Thoroughbreds of any age for this study. To have your Thoroughbred included in the study, you must be a horse owner in the United States with one or more registered Thoroughbreds. Your Thoroughbred must be included in the Pedigree Online Thoroughbred Database. You must be willing to submit a 10 ml EDTA blood draw at EquiSeq’s expense. We will cover all costs, including vet fees. If your horse is selected for the study, you will receive results for P2, P3, P4, and Px at no cost to you. If you have a horse that meets these criteria, please email Paul Szauter at pszauter@gmail.com. Please feel free to share this message. Free testing for registered Thoroughbreds will end on September 1, 2018. Thoroughbred owners who have initiated contact with EquiSeq prior to that time will receive free testing.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Albuquerque startup EquiSeq dominated the slopes this year at the third annual ski lift pitch competition, beating out 11 other companies to win a $10,000 prize at the Taos Ski Valley on Tuesday. The competition, organized by Albuquerque’s ABQid business accelerator, is a novel twist on pitch competitions that places competing companies on Taos Valley’s Kachina Peak Lift alongside investors and entrepreneurs who judge their business presentations while riding up the slopes. Continue Reading »

Episode 2 of Startup Spot with Sonja, I interview Paul Szauter, Chief Scientific Officer, and Lexie Palmer, CEO of Equiseq. Hear about how their business is changing after researching their original direction. Continue Reading »

EquiSeq is developing a test to determine whether a foal has a specific gene that causes a fatal muscle malady within the first few years of life. Continue Reading »

The room was packed, the wait staff was bustling around serving the 80+ attendees. There was electricity in the air. Then the pitches started and the energy level went through the roof. Was it because of the amazing food at Standard Diner? Was it because the judges had been drinking? Was it because of the great prizes that were annouced (over $1250)? Was it the additional prizes for Trivia answers provided by CNM? Was it the comedy team of Nyika Allen and Lisa Adkins from the New Mexico Tech council with their set of Entrepreneurial jokes? Was the the eleven brave, nervous, anxious presenters? Continue Reading »

Last Friday was the ABQid Demo Day and it was a packed house at the Epicenter. I rarely get to see these type of activities, but my wife let me use some of my paternity leave to check it out. The energy and excitement of these events blows me away every time. The presenters, sponsors and audience create an atmosphere that makes it real easy to believe a lot of great things are happening and going to be happening in Albuquerque. This event allowed the 10 companies from the second ABQid accelerator class to pitch their company in 6 minutes. They all did a great job on their pitches and I feel lucky to have gotten to watch this. Continue Reading »