SpeeDx Pty. Ltd., a developer of innovative molecular diagnostics, announces a $ 1.8 million grant from CARB-X, a global non-profit partnership focused on promoting research and development to combat the growing threat of drug-resistant bacteria. An additional $ 1.9 million will be made available when the project reaches pre-determined milestones. SpeeDx is the first Australia-based diagnostics company to receive funding from CARB-X.

The funding will be used to develop a rapid test for the combined detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeaebe used. At the same time, the aim is to identify the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of gonorrhea infections to frequently used antibiotic therapies. 

Current antibiotic susceptibility testing methods do not provide timely and comprehensive information on susceptibility or resistance, especially in resource-constrained environments. SpeeDx aims to develop an affordable, rapid (<60 min.) Point-of-care test for the detection of the bacteria causing CT and NG and to determine the susceptibility of NG to three inexpensive, orally administered and accessible antibiotics: cefixime, ciprofloxacin and Azithromycin. 

The fast and affordable point-of-care test for the detection of bacteria that cause CT and NG, in addition to determining the susceptibility of NG to cefixime, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin. Utilizing their newly patented InSignia ™ technology to both assess the presence of active bacterial infection and AMR status, SpeeDx is collaborating with QuantuMDx to port the test onto their Q-POC ™ sample to answer qPCR & integrated microarray system - a small battery-powered, simple-to-use device suitable for remote settings. 

SpeeDx wants its recently patented In Signia™ Use technology to determine the presence of active bacterial infections and AMR status. SpeeDx is working with QuantuMDx to bring the test to its Q-POC ™ sample and to receive the answer via the qPCR and integrated microarray system. This is a small, battery-operated, easy-to-use device that is also suitable for remote areas.

Jonathan O'Halloran, Chief Executive, QuantuMDx, said, “We will be launching Q-POC ™ - our rapid PCR diagnostic system - later this year and we look forward to our first commercial collaboration with SpeeDx. "