Peer-reviewed publication demonstrates strong performance of a urine-based microbial metabolite screening platform for identifying a distinct biochemical autism phenotype
PHOENIX, AZ, May 27, 2026 — Autism Diagnostics Laboratory today announced the publication of a landmark peer-reviewed study in Molecular Psychiatry, a Nature Portfolio journal, describing the scientific validation of the company’s Microbially-Derived Metabolite (MDM) System™ — a urine-based screening platform designed to identify children at elevated risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The publication, titled “Elevated microbially-derived metabolites in autism: a possible diagnostic screening test for a distinct ASD phenotype,” was published on May 26, 2026.
The multi-site study evaluated urinary microbially-derived metabolites (MDMs) in children ages 2–11 years using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Researchers reported that the MDM System™ differentiated children with ASD from typically developing controls with outstanding precision in the study cohorts:
90%
Sensitivity in detecting elevated risk parameters.
100%
Specificity (demonstrating zero false positives).
The publication further proposed a distinct biochemical subtype termed “ASD associated with Microbially-Derived Metabolites” (ASD-MDM), characterized by objective laboratory evidence of elevated microbial metabolites linked to gut-brain axis biology.
“This publication represents an important milestone in the advancement of biology-based autism screening. For decades, autism diagnosis has depended on behavioral observation after symptoms become clinically apparent. Our findings support the possibility that measurable biochemical abnormalities may help identify risk earlier and provide physicians and families with additional objective information that may be harnessed to expedite early intervention.”
Christina K. Flynn, PhD — First author of the study and Research Director of Autism Diagnostics Laboratory
The study involved investigators from multiple institutions, including the Arizona State University Biodesign Institute Center for Health Through Microbiomes, and examined phenylalanine-derived, tryptophan-derived, and yeast-associated microbial metabolites previously implicated in gut-brain axis research. Researchers observed that many children with ASD demonstrated metabolite concentrations substantially above those measured in typically developing children.
The MDM System™ is intended as a non-invasive adjunct screening aid and is not designed to function as a standalone diagnostic test. The company believes the platform may eventually support earlier clinical evaluation pathways, biological stratification of autism subtypes, and future precision-medicine approaches targeting microbiome-associated metabolic abnormalities.
The publication adds to a growing body of literature linking microbial metabolites and gut-brain axis biology to autism spectrum disorder.
According to the company, additional validation studies and commercialization activities are ongoing. International testing access through partner laboratories has already begun in select regions.
About the MDM System™
The Microbially-Derived Metabolite (MDM) System™ is a urine-based metabolomics screening platform that measures microbial metabolites associated with autism spectrum disorder using LC-MS technology. The system is designed to assist healthcare professionals in identifying children who may benefit from further developmental evaluation and early intervention services.
About Autism Diagnostics Laboratory
Autism Diagnostics Laboratory is a CLIA-certified laboratory focused on the development of metabolomics-based tools for autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental conditions. The company’s mission is to advance objective, biology-based approaches that support earlier screening, improved stratification, and personalized therapeutic guidance.
