Emerging startups are making strides in improving infectious disease detection with innovative diagnostic technologies.
Emerging startups are making advancements that show promise in reshaping how we detect and manage infectious diseases. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, these companies are enhancing the speed, accuracy, and accessibility of diagnostic tools, crucial in preventing outbreaks and saving lives.
This article explores some of the most promising startups at the forefront of this revolution.
Karius: Advancing Blood-Based Pathogen Detection

Karius is altering infectious disease diagnostics with its advanced microbial cell-free DNA (cfDNA) technology. Unlike traditional diagnostic methods that often require invasive procedures or are limited to specific pathogens, Karius offers a non-invasive blood test capable of detecting over a thousand different pathogens from a single sample.
Key Innovations:
- Microbial cfDNA Technology: By analyzing cell-free DNA from pathogens present in the bloodstream, Karius can identify infections with remarkable precision and speed.
- Rapid Results: The Karius test significantly reduces the time required for pathogen detection, providing results within a day. This rapid turnaround is critical for timely clinical decision-making and initiating appropriate treatments.
- Broad Spectrum: Capable of detecting bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, Karius offers a wide-ranging diagnostic solution that covers a vast array of infectious diseases.
BioFire Diagnostics: Syndromic Testing for Comprehensive Detection

BioFire Diagnostics, a subsidiary of bioMérieux, is adding to the diagnostic landscape with its FilmArray system. This innovative platform integrates sample preparation, amplification, detection, and analysis into one seamless process, allowing for the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens from a single sample.
Key Innovations:
- Syndromic Approach: The FilmArray system uses syndromic testing to identify pathogens associated with specific clinical syndromes. This approach streamlines the diagnostic process, enabling faster and more accurate identification of the cause of infection.
- User-Friendly Platform: Designed for ease of use, the FilmArray system requires minimal hands-on time and delivers results in about an hour, making it ideal for clinical settings where time is of the essence.
- Comprehensive Panels: BioFire offers a range of panels that cover respiratory, gastrointestinal, and bloodstream infections, among others, providing comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
Sherlock Biosciences: Harnessing CRISPR for Rapid Diagnostics

Sherlock Biosciences is at the forefront of leveraging CRISPR technology to develop innovative diagnostic tools. Its SHERLOCK platform (Specific High-sensitivity Enzymatic Reporter unLOCKing) is designed to detect and identify infectious diseases at the genetic level, offering unprecedented speed and accuracy.
Key Innovations:
- CRISPR Technology: Utilizing CRISPR’s gene-editing capabilities, Sherlock Biosciences has created a diagnostic platform that can identify specific genetic sequences associated with pathogens. This technology enables precise detection of infections.
- Rapid and Portable: The SHERLOCK platform is designed to be portable and user-friendly, providing rapid results that can be easily interpreted. This makes it suitable for use in various settings, including remote and resource-limited areas.
- Broad Applicability: The platform can be adapted to detect a wide range of infectious diseases, making it a versatile tool in the fight against global health threats.
Strides Infectious Disease Diagnostics
The innovations brought forward by startups like Karius, BioFire Diagnostics, and Sherlock Biosciences are ushering in a new era in infectious disease diagnostics. These technologies not only aim to improve the accuracy and speed of pathogen detection but also enhance the overall efficiency of the diagnostic process.
As these startups continue to advance their technologies, the potential for early detection, timely intervention, and better patient outcomes grows.
References
- Karius. (n.d.). Advanced cfDNA technology.
- BioFire Diagnostics. (n.d.). FilmArray system.
- Sherlock Biosciences. (n.d.). SHERLOCK platform.
Photo 111901466 © Pop Nukoonrat | Dreamstime.com