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LESLEY NORTHROP, PhD, FACMG

Lesley appears in the Top 100
Innovators & Entrepreneurs Magazine

Norhtrop, Lesley_edited.jpg

Lesley Northrop, PhD, FACMG

 

Lesley Northrop, PhD, is a pioneering force in women’s healthcare diagnostics. As the founder of LDGI, LLC, she has dedicated her career to shaping the future of women’s healthcare with transformative diagnostic solutions. With over two decades of experience in clinical diagnostic operations, Dr. Northrop has guided companies from ideation to commercialization, achieving regulatory compliance and delivering market-changing innovations.

 

Dr. Northrop’s reputation as a thought leader, strategist, and agile innovator is backed by a remarkable early history of groundbreaking achievements. She was the first to characterize the reproductive cycle of endangered species such as the Giant and Red Pandas and to establish a neuroendocrine memory system in rats to model human brain degenerative disorders. Dr. Northrop also redefined reproductive infertility technology through comprehensive embryo genomic signature assessments, developed a third-generation ovarian cancer diagnostic test, and built a biomarker discovery platform to identify unique multi-omic targets for women’s health conditions, including Endometriosis.

As the chief diagnostic officer at Everly Health, and previously as the chief scientific officer at Aspira Women’s Health and SVP of Clinical Genomics at Celmatix, Dr. Northrop has proven her ability to turn complex research into practical, life-changing applications. At LDGI, founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York, NY, she continues to set the bar for excellence in laboratory diagnostics and genomics innovation.

Dr. Northrop’s accolades include a $1 million BIRD grant and groundbreaking publications in top journals, such as the Journal of Clinical Cancer and Molecular Human Reproduction. Her scientific contributions extend to authoring a chapter on the reproduction of the Red Panda in The Forgotten Panda: The Biology and Conservation of the Red Panda. Certified as a fellow of the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Dr. Northrop’s expertise and leadership have secured licenses for ten net-new clinically regulated laboratories.

LDGI’s deep industry knowledge and strategic approach have made it a trusted partner for healthcare providers and investment firms seeking to advance diagnostic capabilities in an ever-evolving genomic landscape. Dr. Northrop’s work not only pushes the boundaries of science, but lights the way for the next generation of diagnostic breakthroughs.

We spoke with Lesley to learn more about her background and the intricacies of LDGI.

Lesley, you took a rather unique path to the genetics field. Can you share a bit about your background?

My career began in reproductive genetics, where I focused on species survival and addressing infertility in endangered animals. I mapped the ovulatory cycle of the giant panda and red panada, during my time as a research scientist at the San Diego Zoo, played a key role in the first successful giant panda birth in the U.S. I also collaborated with China’s breeding program and worked with other species like Red Pandas and tigers. In 2006, after reading The Baby Business, I became intrigued by IVF and the human genome was sequenced. I wanted to start to apply this new diagnostic technology to embryo ploidy status, which led me to pursue a postdoc in fertility. There, I helped pioneer techniques to screen all chromosomes for genetic disorders, such as Down Syndrome and Cystic Fibrosis. That transformative work ultimately steered me into the field of clinical diagnostics and genetics, where I continue to focus on advancing reproductive health.

What inspired you to start LDGI?

While working at a startup that was closing, I found myself helping to sell off different components of the business. During that process, several people asked if I could assist them in developing their own diagnostic tests and bringing them to market. I hadn’t considered starting my own business before, but I realized that my unique expertise was highly sought after—companies didn’t necessarily need a full-time hire but valued having someone like me on-call. That’s when I launched LDGI. Since then, it’s been a rewarding journey. Some clients come to me for one-time projects, while others continue to partner with LDGI as they grow, relying on my guidance across various stages of their business.

What services do you provide?

I work with startups and biotech companies looking to bring diagnostic tests to market. They typically bring me in when they have a new product or at ideation and need guidance on how to get it commercialized. I support them through every stage—from ideation and development to full clinical validation and commercialization. My services span multiple areas: I help design and develop the test, navigate regulatory requirements to ensure compliance, build out laboratory operations, and manage projects to keep them on track. I also assist with commercialization strategies, serving as an advisor and expert voice to present their tests to clinicians and clients, lending credibility. Additionally, financial firms hire me to conduct scientific due diligence on companies they’re considering investing in, evaluating the ROI of new technologies and their potential impact on healthcare.

What makes you unique?

I’m a bit of a chameleon—I have a natural ability to adapt to different environments and teams, which allows me to bridge functional gaps and bring diverse groups into alignment. My scientific background shapes my approach; I’m always thinking in terms of hypotheses and experiments, carefully analyzing each step. I’ve translated that mindset into the business world, ensuring that every strategy and decision is thoroughly vetted so that everyone is on the same page and moving toward a common goal.

Can you share an example of a company you helped?

One example is Biotia, a genomics company using AI to identify infectious diseases. When I first connected with them, they were just starting out. I helped set up their lab, establish proper validation protocols, and navigate the complex process of obtaining approvals from New York State and the FDA. During COVID, they successfully secured FDA EUA clearance for their COVID saliva test. It’s been rewarding to see their progress, and I continue to support them as an advisor whenever needed.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

What I enjoy most is being part of a strong team that’s aligned and working together toward a common goal. Innovation is incredibly rewarding, but it’s the collaboration and shared sense of purpose that make it truly fulfilling. Seeing a dedicated team come together to achieve something impactful is what makes all the hard work worthwhile.


 

Lesley Northrop, PhD, FACMG

Founder

LDGI, LLC

Website: https://www.ldgillc.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-northrop-phd-facmg-2222a5a/

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