The CEO of the embattled Palo Alto, Calif.-based Theranos is set to take the stage Monday at the American Association of Clinical Chemistry to talk about the science behind the company's blood test technology.
The company is still working to submit to peer-reviewed journals, according to former CDC Director Bill Foege, MD, MPH, meaning founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes won't have peer-reviewed data to present. However, due to the company's secretive nature, many are awaiting details about Theranos' technology, particularly considering its recent troubles that have led to a federal criminal investigation, a congressional investigation and several lawsuits pending class action status.
Some experts in the field doubt Theranos has a place at the prestigious scientific conference, according to a report from STAT. Those in that school of thought told the publication it is "embarrassing" the AACC would even give Ms. Holmes the stage. However, many others want to hear what she has to say and are giving her the benefit of the doubt.
Theranos has weathered a storm of bad press since a pair of investigative reports in The Wall Street Journal alleged Theranos overstated the capabilities of its technology. Since then, Walgreens and Safeway have terminated contracts with the company, Ms. Holmes has been barred by CMS from operating labs for two years, the company voided two years of test results and faces several investigations.
It also has, however, made efforts to turn things around by overhauling its leadership and adjusting lab practices. Ms. Holmes' willingness to be more transparent by sharing the company's science at the meeting may also be a step in the right direction.
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