Dutch-based Rapidemic BV received a grant from the Gates Foundation to support the development of its molecular testing platform.
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Leiden-based Rapidemic BV, a Dutch molecular diagnostic company, announced that it has received a $2.7M (nearly €2.30M) grant from the Gates Foundation.
The grant will support the development of RapiDetect CT/NG, the company’s platform technology for molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases.
The first test is being developed for the detection of the sexually transmitted infections Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in under 15 minutes. The project reflects Rapidemic’s focus on expanding access to diagnostics for infectious diseases worldwide.
Fast and accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases
Sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhoeae affect more than 370 million people annually, mentions Rapidemic in a statement. Women in low- and middle-income countries are affected at higher rates, and many communities lack access to laboratory facilities and reliable electricity. This makes timely diagnosis and treatment difficult. This is where Rapidemic looks to make a difference.
The Dutch company develops molecular tests that can operate at room temperature and do not require electricity. The tests are designed to deliver results in minutes and can be used outside traditional laboratory settings.
The company aims to expand access to diagnostics and improve patient care in locations with limited healthcare infrastructure.
Rapidemic was founded in 2021 in Leiden and operates in the Netherlands and Denmark. Its platform focuses on molecular diagnostics that can be used at the point of care, allowing for testing and treatment in a single visit.
Capital utilisation
The funding will allow Rapidemic to move its molecular platform closer to clinical use.
The company plans to refine its rapid assay to ensure consistent DNA amplification at room temperature and to establish a manufacturing process that can be scaled efficiently.
At the same time, Rapidemic will start preparing the technology for clinical verification to confirm its readiness for use in healthcare settings.
“This investment is a major milestone for Rapidemic and a strong endorsement of our mission,” says Violette Defourt, founder and CEO of Rapidemic. “Our vision is to democratise molecular diagnostics by making them available anytime, anywhere, without the need for complex infrastructure.”
Defourt further adds, “With funding support from the Gates Foundation, we can accelerate the development of RapiDetect CT/NG and move closer to ensuring that millions of people, particularly in low-resource settings, gain timely access to life-saving diagnostic tools.”
