Epicore Biosystems in Cambridge is partnering with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to use sweat-sensing technology as a drug-detection method.
Epicore’s wearable sweat-collection device, The Discovery Patch, will be offered to athletes as an option to complement the current detection system, which involves submitting blood and urine samples to the USADA.
The sweat collector is meant to be a less invasive option, according to a Tuesday news release from Epicore. The new offering is positioned to be specifically helpful for in-competition athletes, as it can be used for continual monitoring while it is worn.
The device is a patch that sticks to the skin like a large Band-Aid. Sweat fills channels in the patch, which can then be removed and the extracted sweat can be tested for biomarkers.
“USADA is constantly evaluating new technologies and innovative solutions from various industries to address the latest and most pressing problems in anti-doping,” said USADA chief scientific officer Dr. Matthew Fedoruk in the release. “The partnership with Epicore allows us to achieve this mission with breakthrough biomedical research using the Discovery Patch to unlock the utility of sweat, which both expands our anti-doping capabilities and our service to clean athletes.”
The USADA conducts year-round drug testing for all Olympic, Paralympic, and Professional Fighters League athletes.
The partnership between Epicore and USASA began with a proof-of-concept study in 2023, according to the news release. The two entities are continuing to research the degree to which sweat testing can be used as a drug-testing method.
The Epicore patch also aims to deliver performance insights to athletes, related to hydration, stress, and overall wellness. The current partnership with USADA aims to complement current testing protocols rather than replace them.
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