SpeeDx, Sydney, Australia
https://plexpcr.com

Resistance Plus InSignia^®
RAPID ID/AST
Diagnostic for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae

SpeeDx is developing InSignia^®, a rapid, culture-free, molecular test to detect and differentiate active versus inactive Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections and identify whether active NG infections are susceptible to antibiotics.

SpeeDx’s diagnostic in development has shown proof-of-principle for ciprofloxacin and azithromycin, oral antibiotics that were removed from CDC guidelines for treating gonorrhea due to high resistance rates. The goal is to expand the test to third-generation cephalosporins, including ceftriaxone, which is the only antibiotic that remains effective in treating gonorrhea, however resistance to this antibiotic is also emerging. Such a rapid phenotypic tool will offer confidence to physicians around the world when treating gonorrhea, irrespective of resistance patterns in particular geographies.

Gonorrhea is the second most reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection. Approximately 82 million people were infected globally in 2020. Patients with gonorrhea can face serious health effects, including pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pain, and infertility.

SpeeDx’s technology combined with ThermoFisher instrumentation could have a far-reaching impact. SpeeDx, with its new test, has the potential to open the marketplace for routine testing and additional technology by establishing novel reimbursement and regulatory pathways.

Current Development Stage: Feasibility

CARB-X Investment: $2.1M

Initial CARB-X Investment Date: April 1, 2021