About Infrared RX
Infrared Rx, Inc. has developed a reliable, non-invasive and inexpensive near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurement for both skeletal muscle metabolism and blood flow supported by an automated analysis platform for immediate expert results. Our goal is to commercialize these measures of muscle blood flow and mitochondrial health for research and clinical users. Muscle discomfort and fatigue are common complaints reported by patients with vascular disease or among those treated with statin drugs for high cholesterol. Low-cost tools to identify the cause of symptoms, and thus to direct treatments, are lacking. We have developed an ability to detect abnormalities in muscle blood flow and oxygen use (i.e., mitochondrial function) using near infrared light. NIRS is a non-invasive optical technique that uses scattered and absorbed light in the 760-850nm range to measure relative changes in the amounts of oxygen bound to hemoglobin and myoglobin located in skeletal muscle. Using this technology, we can measure microvascular blood flow (i.e., how much blood is getting to the skeletal muscle) and mitochondrial capacity (i.e., how much power the muscle can produce). Compared with traditional methods of evaluating skeletal muscle such as muscle biopsy or magnetic resonance scanning, NIRS is non-invasive, quicker, and cheaper.