Atossa Genetics NASDAQ: ATOS is a Seattle-based healthcare firm that specializes in breast health. The company focuses on the development and marketing of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of breast conditions, including breast cancer.

The company is named after the Persian Queen Atossa, who became the first woman in recorded history with breast cancer around 470 B.C.

In 2000, Dr. Steven Quay, a physician specializing in biological chemistry, invented a preventative screening method to identify precursors to breast cancer and to treat precancerous lesions. In May 2016, Dr. Quay and Dr. Shu-Chih Chen, Ph.D. had published the book, “Nipple Aspirate Fluid Exfoliative Cytopathology and Molecular Biomarkers: Current Role in the Management of Breast Health,” which describes the status of research and clinical practice involving the Atossa technology.

Quay founded Atossa Genetics in 2009. The company went public and became listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the symbol ATOS in 2012. In January 2013, Atossa launched the ForeCYTE Breast Health Test system. Atossa voluntarily recalled the system following an FDA warning letter that stated it needed additional FDA clearance due to changes made to the system following the FDA's prior approval.

Atossa Genetics is sponsoring a Phase 2 clinical trial, on the use of fulvestrant administered through a microcatheter into the lactiferous duct as neoadjuvant treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive breast cancer.