Linus Biotechnology (LinusBio) is a precision exposome medicine company pioneering the use of its Temporal Exposomic Sequencing technology to transform early diagnostics and preventive medicine. By analyzing molecular traces in strands of hair, LinusBio aims to detect health conditions earlier and more objectively than ever before.
By early 2024, LinusBio stood on the verge of a breakthrough. The company had developed a pioneering diagnostic platform capable of detecting early-life exposure and disease risk from a single hair strand—but lacked the engineering infrastructure and operational systems to take it to market. ClearStrand-ASD, LinusBio’s first commercial test for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), was ready in the lab but not yet ready for the world.
In March 2024, Justin Thomson joined LinusBio as Vice President of Engineering, bringing deep experience bridging software, data, and science. His arrival came at a decisive moment when LinusBio needed to translate its ground-breaking science into a clinical-grade, scalable product.
Strengthening Engineering Foundations to Enable Market Readiness
Thomson’s initial focus was establishing the digital and operational backbone for ClearStrand-ASD’s launch. Within months, he directed the development of LinusBio’s end-to-end digital platform, connecting telehealth providers, sample logistics, and CLIA-certified laboratory functions.
He also oversaw IT modernization, integrating laboratory information management systems (LIMS) with data pipelines to ensure seamless data flow and secure result delivery.
Thomson implemented audit logs, data security controls, and regulatory frameworks required for CLIA certification—achieved later in 2024.
These foundational systems allowed LinusBio to bridge its scientific innovation with market readiness, positioning the company for rapid scale.
Mapping Each Step from Leadership Arrival to Global Launch
LinusBio’s progression from research-stage biotech to global commercial operator followed a precise sequence of technical and scientific milestones:
- March 2024: Justin Thomson joins LinusBio as Vice President of Engineering to prepare for ClearStrand-ASD’s commercial launch.
- March–August 2024: Builds LinusBio’s digital platform connecting telehealth, logistics, lab, and results delivery; establishes regulatory infrastructure.
- August 2024: Promoted to Senior Vice President, Engineering & Data Science; assumes leadership over both engineering and data science functions.
- August–December 2024: Drives lab automation, implements robotic workflows, and ensures CLIA certification maintenance while preparing for ISO compliance.
- Early 2025: Leads successful commercial rollout of ClearStrand-ASD across the United States.
- 2025: Enables expansion into 49 U.S. states and Japan through partnerships supported by globally scalable cloud infrastructure.
Through this deliberate evolution, LinusBio transitioned from a research-driven biotech to a commercial-stage precision medicine company in under one year.
Expanding Technical Leadership to Power Data Science and Speed
In August 2024, Thomson’s role expanded to Senior Vice President, Engineering & Data Science, reflecting the company’s growing complexity. He unified engineering with data science to ensure scientific reliability and operational speed.
His data science team developed and validated machine-learning algorithms analyzing hundreds of molecular features per hair strand, generating exposomic profiles that could objectively evaluate autism risk.
In parallel, he strengthened operational excellence through lab automation, cutting average test turnaround to 15 business days.
This combination of scalable infrastructure and scientific discipline gave LinusBio the quality and speed necessary for clinical adoption at scale.
Accelerating Commercial Success to Capture Global Momentum
By early 2025, LinusBio achieved its long-awaited commercial launch of ClearStrand-ASD—the first and only biochemical autism screening test clinically validated for infants as young as one month.
This launch represented not only scientific validation but also the practical realization of Thomson’s engineering and data-driven oversight.
Within months, LinusBio expanded to 49 U.S. states (excluding New York) and began international operations in Japan through a partnership with Y.A.C. Holdings.
Thomson’s modular cloud-based systems enabled seamless localization and partner onboarding.
These milestones coincided with LinusBio’s industry recognition, including its award for “Overall MedTech Company of the Year” in 2024, underscoring its rapid ascent from research startup to global medical innovator.
Turning Vision into Global Impact Through Precision Leadership
LinusBio’s trajectory from March 2024 through 2025 highlights how strategic engineering and data science leadership can convert molecular research into global healthcare impact.
Through Justin Thomson’s leadership as SVP of Engineering & Data Science, LinusBio delivered a world-first diagnostic, streamlined laboratory efficiency, achieved end-to-end compliance, and scaled internationally—all within 12 months.
This convergence of engineering precision, data science rigor, and biotech innovation has positioned LinusBio to redefine early diagnostics and set a new standard for the future of precision exposome medicine.
Facing urgent demand for senior technical leadership to scale globally, LinusBio turned to Christian & Timbers. With 45+ years in technology executive search and an AI-powered, science-based process, Christian & Timbers quickly identified proven engineering and data science leaders—precisely matching LinusBio’s need for speed, scientific rigor, and commercial growth expertise.