Devices & Diagnostics

Biosensors illuminate germs in new test that detects MRSA, C. diff more quickly

A clinical-stage diagnostics company using biosensors to develop tests that could cheaply and rapidly detect […]

A clinical-stage diagnostics company using biosensors to develop tests that could cheaply and rapidly detect infectious diseases has raised $1.5 million.

Using genetically engineered B cells — a type of white blood cell that binds to and recognizes pathogens in fluid samples — Innovative Biosensors Inc. has created a system it hopes will improve the speed and sensitivity of bioagent identification. Once the B cells bind to pathogens of interest, they emit photons that are detected by a luminometer.

Current methods for detecting and diagnosing drug-resistant tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections and hospital-acquired infections like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and C. difficile are laborious and time consuming, the company says, and advances in genomics and proteomics have resulted in more complex diagnostic tools that come with a higher cost.

The company’s BioFlash-Dx technology platform was developed at MIT and is currently in clinical trials for detection of MRSA, according to Innovative Biosensors’ website. The platform is already being used in environmental settings to detect airborne bioterror agents.

Globally, the market for biosensors in drug discovery, medical diagnosis and medical monitoring is forecast to nearly double over the next six years, according to research firm Industry Experts. But other companies may be ahead of Innovative Biosensors in bringing an affordable biosensor device to market for rapid disease detection, including Biomagnetic Diagnostics, which is in trials for a hand-held biosensor device that detects infectious disease; and Philips, which is working on a disposable bedside tool for disease detection.

Rockville, Maryland-based Innovative Biosensors is hoping to raise $2.7 million, according to a U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing by CEO David Yost, who did not return a phone call for more information. Existing investors include LSP Life Science Partners, Chart Venture Partners, CNF Investments, Harbert Venture Partners and New Markets Growth Fund.

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