Michael S. Paul, Ph.D. is a founder and has served as Chief Executive Officer of Lineagen since its inception. Dr. Paul has been recognized as one of Utah’s leading venture entrepreneurs and was a Utah Governor’s Appointee to the Steering Committee for the Utah Technology Industry Commission. Prior to Lineagen, he was Vice President of Business Development at Huntsman Biotechnology Corporation and Director of Strategic Development at NPS Pharma.
Dr. Paul has also worked at the University of Utah Technology Transfer Office where he participated in the marketing of University inventions to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Dr. Paul is a licensed patent agent of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Dr. Paul earned his B.A. from Colby College and his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Utah.
Lineagen, Inc. ( www.lineagen.com) recently launched FirstStep Dx an integrated genetic testing and counseling service that assists both pediatricians and family physicians with the earlier, more accurate diagnostic evaluation of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and developmental delay (DD). FirstStep Dx testing identifies certain genetic factors associated with ASD and DD. 
FirstStep Dx integrates the most advanced and comprehensive genetic testing technology with pre- and post testing-consultation, provided by Lineagen’s certified genetic counselors. The technology used in FirstStep Dx ’s genetic test is now recommended as first-tier testing for children with apparent DD, ASD, and other conditions of childhood development.
Early diagnostic evaluation of children with ASD is critical so that they can receive the early intervention. Recent clinical data has shown that early intervention therapies are effective in treating the symptoms of ASD in children as young as 18 months of age. The average age of diagnosis in the United States is currently between 4 and 5 years old, resulting in the loss of valuable time for treating these children. FirstStep Dx helps pediatricians and their patients get answers as they go through the diagnostic process.
