In 2008 Tethys introduced a diagnostic test that reveals "biomarkers" doctors can use to identify people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes within five years. Tethys distinguishes itself from other genomics and diagnostics firms by focusing its technology on health risks and diseases that can be modified. Doctors use the test results to focus appropriate intervention strategies on patients most likely to benefit, in the terms of delaying or even preventing diabetes. This improves quality of care and reduces costs. Tethys' diagnostics are applied by Adamas Pharmaceuticals, founded by Went. Went and Urdea serve on each other's boards and partner in a consulting firm, Halteres Associates. Urdea is also a pioneer in diagnostics for HIV, and an alumnus of Chiron. He co-founded Tethys in 2002.

"There is a lack of practical, useful tools available to the primary care physician to identify those patients at highest risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart attack. We identify that smaller group of patients from a very large pool who are at highest risk and [who] will benefit from interventions to prevent onset of these diseases."