Scout, California, US
https://www.scouthealth.com/

Scout is developing a new point-of-care (POC) test – STI Scout – to detect and differentiate between Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) and Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). STI Scout is quick and inexpensive, with a turnaround time of 30 minutes and costs anticipated to be less than half of other options. Notably, the test can process both vaginal swab and first void urine samples, making it accessible to everyone.

Gonorrhea is the second most reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI). Approximately 82 million people were infected globally in 2020, with the highest prevalence of infection in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Patients with gonorrhea can face serious health effects, including pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. Since patients do not always exhibit symptoms, reported cases may only capture a fraction of the true burden.

Decentralizing testing could greatly benefit patients, as clinics and urgent care centers could have fast, accurate, and affordable tests enabling same-day results which would expedite appropriate treatment. Notably, the low-cost design of the consumables and simple-to-use interface could enable Scout’s test to be used globally, expanding access to Ng testing to the lowest levels of the healthcare system in resource-limited settings. With further development, the Scout system tests also could be used at home, which is especially valuable among patient populations that are testing routinely.

Scout is leveraging proven technology as the Scout platform was developed for SARS-CoV-2 detection using over-the-counter (OTC) diagnostics. The CARB-X award will help the company expand its test menu to offer simple and efficient point-of-care testing at STI clinics and urgent care centers and as a potential future option, an at-home test for STIs.

Current Development Stage: Feasibility

CARB-X Investment: US$1M

Initial CARB-X Investment Date: March 1, 2024