Innovative Sepsis Diagnostic Tool Created by Austrian Startup

Sepsis, a life-threatening response to a bloodstream infection, is responsible for one in five deaths worldwide. This severe condition arises when the body’s infection-fighting processes go into overdrive, leading to complications such as multi-organ failure or the necessity for amputation. Rapid diagnosis is crucial to prevent the infection from escalating. For over half a century, blood culture has been the gold standard for diagnosing bloodstream infections like sepsis. However, this method is slow, lacks sensitivity, and depends heavily on the volume and timing of the sample. While molecular technologies have revolutionized many areas of clinical microbiology, they have not yet provided a viable alternative to blood cultures.

Cellectric Biosciences, an Austrian startup, is addressing this issue by developing a method to speed up the diagnosis process. Their approach involves isolating pathogens from human samples, such as blood, enabling detection in less than four hours. This significantly reduces the time needed for diagnosis, which is critical for effective treatment.

The company, which recently won the local Startup World Cup Austria, was founded by Terje Wimberger, PhD, and his team. They have developed an electromagnetic sample preparation platform designed to enable fast, automated, and selective analyte detection in complex human samples. Their patent-pending method uses electric fields in liquids without electrochemistry, employing state-of-the-art dielectric materials to create highly targeted electrodynamic effects. This innovative approach allows for the selective isolation of specific target cells in a complex sample. In simpler terms, the electric current zaps away blood cells, leaving sepsis-causing pathogens exposed for rapid testing.

Cellectric Biosciences' technology works by exposing blood samples to a rapidly oscillating electric current. By adjusting the strength and frequency of this current, unwanted “backgrounds” in human samples are destroyed, allowing the focus to be on the pathogens that need to be tested. The practical application of this technology involves the Cellectric Base Station, which the company describes as a Wi-Fi router for cells. This device consists of a hardware cartridge that can be used in their developed machines or potentially in future commercially available laboratory equipment.

The process is straightforward: a clinician draws the usual 10 ml of blood and feeds it into a cartridge that is then loaded into the device. Within 20 minutes, the majority of white and red blood cells are destroyed, but the pathogens of concern remain intact and are concentrated into a smaller volume. This fully automated platform easily integrates into existing workflows, enhancing efficiency in clinical settings.

Cellectric Biosciences is a spin-out from the Austrian Institute of Technology, the country’s largest research institute. The company’s foundation is built on over a decade of research, including extensive literature reviews and expert interviews that highlighted the need for new diagnostic technologies. Wimberger explained that their research focused on the need for faster diagnosis and the challenge of isolating pathogens in blood. After exploring various technologies and possibilities, they determined that electric fields could be the solution. Through trial and error, they developed a method to couple electric fields inside liquids, specifically targeting unwanted cells while isolating pathogens.

Looking ahead, Cellectric Biosciences aims to have data from customer partnerships by the end of 2025. They plan to pursue co-development or licensing deals the following year, with the goal of commercializing their technology by 2027. The company is also collaborating with a Swiss company and clinic in Lausanne, Switzerland, to address antibiotic resistance in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis.

Transitioning from academic research to commercial applications in the medtech field presents challenges, particularly in communication. Wimberger noted that explaining their technology in a concise and understandable way can be difficult, as people may misinterpret their explanation. Additionally, he highlighted the difference between academic and entrepreneurial approaches. Academics tend to make statements only when there is a high degree of certainty, whereas entrepreneurship involves making projections about the future without absolute certainty.

Cellectric Biosciences has navigated these challenges with the support of its Vienna origins, which provided a familiar local path for startups. Initially, the team received a spin-off fellowship at university, followed by pre-seed non-dilutive funding from the aws PreSeed program. They continued to secure funding from the FFG Basis program, AWS Seed financing, and private equity investments led by Xista Science Ventures.

In summary, Cellectric Biosciences is revolutionizing the diagnosis of sepsis and other bloodstream infections with their innovative electromagnetic sample preparation platform. By significantly reducing the time required for diagnosis, their technology has the potential to save lives and improve patient outcomes. As they continue to develop and refine their technology, the company is well-positioned for future growth and success in the medtech industry.