DNAe, the inventor of semiconductor-based genomic analysis technologies, and the developer of a new game-changing test for bloodstream infections (BSI) that can lead to sepsis, today announced that it has been shortlisted as a finalist for the 2018 OBN Awards, in the category ‘Best Diagnostic Medtech Company’.
London, UK and Carlsbad, CA, USA – 15 August 2018 – DNAe, the inventor of semiconductor-based genomic analysis technologies, and the developer of a new game-changing test for bloodstream infections (BSI) that can lead to sepsis, today announced that it has been shortlisted as a finalist for the 2018 OBN Awards, in the category ‘Best Diagnostic Medtech Company’. These prestigious industry award nominations recognise and celebrate leading companies in the Life Sciences industry. The finalists were judged by a panel of independent experts, representing a diverse spectrum of UK and global life sciences stakeholders.
DNAe has been selected for its pioneering semiconductor-based genomic analysis and sample preparation1 technology platforms that underlie its game-changing diagnostic in development, LiDia® BSI1,2 , which is a rapid direct from blood test for bloodstream infections (BSI) that can lead to sepsis. DNAe’s LiDia® BSI diagnostic promises to revolutionise the ability of physicians to treat antimicrobial resistant infections by rapidly identifying the infectious agent including key antimicrobial resistance markers within 2 to 3 hours, directly from sample presentation.
Sepsis is a major global healthcare priority, with an estimated 31.5 million bloodstream infection cases occurring annually worldwide, resulting in approximately 5.3 million deaths3 . In the US and Europe, sepsis is responsible for an estimated 2.5 million cases4 , and in the US, sepsis is the most expensive condition to treat accounting for nearly $27 billion annual cost to the healthcare system5 . In 2017, the WHO adopted a resolution on improving the prevention, diagnosis and management of sepsis6.
For every hour a patient in septic shock does not receive the appropriate antibiotic, there is an 8% reduction in survival rate7 . Pathogen identification using current standard-of-care culture-based diagnostics takes 2-6 days and involves sending samples offsite to specialist laboratories, during which time patients typically receive empirical treatment impacting survival rates and hospital stay negatively. Designed to be used in hospitals, much closer to the frontline of care and operated by non-specialist end users, LiDia® BSI has the potential to enable swifter treatment of infections with targeted therapeutics to improve patient outcomes and address a critical unmet need.
Dr Steve Allen, CEO of DNAe Group Holdings, commented: “We are delighted to receive recognition from the Life Sciences industry as a Best Diagnostic MedTech Company finalist, and we are tremendously proud that DNAe has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards in short order8 . These nominations help shine light on our key advances to the diagnostic field, and are a testament to our innovative technologies as well as the commitment and excellence of our entire team. We’re developing LiDia® BSI to address the pressing demand for earlier diagnosis of bloodstream infections in hospitals closer to the patient, and assisting swifter evidence-based selection of targeted treatment.”
Dr John Harris, CEO of OBN (UK) said: “We received the highest number of qualifying entries for the OBN Awards this year, up a staggering 40% on last year’s total. The standard of entries across all categories was extremely high and we are encouraged about the level of exciting new innovation and positive growth we are seeing in UK Life Sciences. We look forward to celebrating with all our finalists on 11 October at the Examination Schools in Oxford.”
A panel of independent expert judges will further assess the finalists for each category and the winners will be announced on 11 October at the OBN Awards ceremony in Oxford, UK. The occasion also marks the 10th Anniversary of the OBN Awards, celebrating 10 years of Innovation and Achievement in the Life Sciences Industry.
The full list of award categories and finalists can be found online, here.
About DNAe – www.dnae.com
DNAe is developing its pioneering semiconductor DNA sequencing technology for healthcare applications where rapid near-patient live diagnostics is needed to provide actionable information to clinicians, saving lives by enabling the right treatment at the right time.
In January 2015 DNAe acquired nanoMR, Inc. (now DNA Electronics Inc.), a developer of a novel system for rapid isolation of rare cells in the bloodstream. DNAe is developing LiDia®, its sample-toresult genomic analysis platform, combining DNA Electronics Inc.’s Pathogen Capture System with its own portfolio of semiconductor-based genomic technologies, trademarked Genalysis®. The LiDia® range of tests will enable DNA analysis directly on a microchip, providing rapid and accurate results from a user-friendly system.
DNAe’s initial focus is on infectious disease diagnostics, where speed and DNA-specific information can make the difference between life and death. LiDia® will launch with the LiDia® Bloodstream Infection (BSI) test, a groundbreaking rapid direct-from-specimen test for bloodstream infections that lead to sepsis. Built into a compact device for use at the point of need, the system will diagnose accurately and rapidly what infection a patient has, providing the clinician with actionable information to help select the appropriate antibiotics to treat the disease.
A private company, with bases in London, UK and Carlsbad, CA, USA, DNAe has strong financial backing from its investors, including major shareholder Genting Berhad, a Malaysian-based global investor with a growing portfolio of cutting–edge life sciences companies.
