InnoFest 2026 / 2025 Finalists / EzMTX Assay
2025 Finalist
EzMTX Assay
A low-cost, portable urine-based assay for real-time methotrexate monitoring, paired with a digital app that quantifies results for safer pediatric cancer care.
Andres F. Diaz
Lead Developer, Molecular Biology Specialist
MD/PhD Candidate, University of Arizona COM, Tucson
High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is a key treatment for pediatric malignancies. However, in low-resource settings, clinicians face challenges due to the lack of accessible MTX monitoring tools, making it difficult to track toxicities and optimize treatment. To address this, we designed a low-cost, portable assay for urine-based MTX monitoring: the EzMTX assay.
We leverage MTX's inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase to produce a simple, clinically relevant readout, then integrate this with a digital app that quantifies results for clinical use. Our assay empowers safer and effective HDMTX treatment and supports equitable global pediatric cancer care.
"We were struck by how many children around the world miss out on life-saving chemotherapy simply because monitoring tools are out of reach. EzMTX was born from a belief that access shouldn’t be a privilege, it should be the standard."
Andres F. Diaz, Lead Developer
Andres F. Diaz
Lead Developer, Molecular Biology Specialist
MD/PhD · Arizona COMThomas Larsen, PhD
Prototype Development Lead, Biomedical Engineer Advisor
University of Arizona COM, TucsonAnish Vaddireddy, BS
Data Scientist Lead, App Development
Deloitte, New York, NYSohail Daulat, BS
Marketing and Biotech Lead, Second App Developer
University of Pittsburgh, PA