CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced a $275,000 grant for Mt. Lebanon-based company Astria Biosciences, Inc. from the National Science Foundation to develop a blood test to detect cerebral aneurysms.

“Many families in Western Pennsylvania will mark Thanksgiving this week without a loved one at the table because far too many underlying health issues go undetected until it’s too late,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “Early detection is key to saving lives and preventing the worst outcomes. I’m proud to announce this grant funding for the work of Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District’s own Astria Biosciences, Inc. to make it both cheaper and easier to conduct screenings and testing for cerebral aneurysms.”

Specifically, this award will fund the project titled “SPIR Phase 1: A Blood Test to Detect Cerebral Aneurysms” and will support Astria Biosciences’ mission to transform diagnosis and treatment for neurological and vascular diseases.

Almost 30,000 Americans suffer a cerebral aneurysm each year, according to the National Science Foundation. With a 50% mortality rate, cerebral aneurysms can be silent killers, often going undetected. Currently, diagnostics and screenings for these aneurysms often require expensive equipment. New technology and innovative approach to blood testing could provide a new and accessible means to detect and diagnose the underlying causes of brain aneurysms. Astria Bioscience’s research could make it both easier and cheaper to perform these diagnostic tests routinely, increase aneurysm detection, and hopefully save lives.