Cellectric Biosciences, a spin-off from the AIT Center for Health & Bioresources, has been named an FFG Success Story for its innovative method for diagnosing sepsis. The method, which is based on electrodynamic processes, could represent a major step forward in medical diagnostics and save lives.
Blood poisoning, also known as sepsis, is one of the greatest challenges in modern medicine. Every year, around 28,000 people in Austria are affected and 6,700 deaths occur. Diagnosis to date has been time-consuming and complicated, which often prevents rapid treatment. “This is where Cellectric Biosciences comes in,” explains Elke Guenther, Head of Center at the AIT Center for Health & Bioresources, ”a spin-off of our Center's Molecular Diagnostic Unit, which has made significant progress with its newly developed technology for the rapid identification of pathogens in the blood.”
Fast and precise sepsis diagnosis
The method developed by Cellectric Biosciences uses electromagnetic fields to remove unwanted cells that make it difficult to detect the relevant sepsis pathogens. This microfluidic method, based on a “lab on a chip” system, takes only a few minutes and provides results ten times faster than conventional methods. “By isolating viable pathogens from a patient sample, doctors can initiate life-saving treatment much earlier,” explains Klemens Wassermann, one of the founders.
Cellectric was awarded the PHÖNIX Founder Award in the Prototype category in 2022 for this groundbreaking technology. The process has now been recognized as an FFG Success Story, which underlines the importance and potential of this innovation. The funding from the FFG enables a clinical study to validate the method in everyday clinical practice. This study will be conducted in collaboration with Vienna General Hospital and could pave the way for Cellectric Biosciences to establish itself internationally.
Growth ground for innovation
The AIT supports its spin-offs from the idea to market maturity. Hans-Peter Blahowsky, Business and Start-up Coach at AIT, emphasizes: “AIT has supported the development of Cellectric literally from the beginning and accompanied the technological development in all phases. We are delighted to have another successful example of the entrepreneurial spirit that we value at AIT.” The story of Cellectric Biosciences impressively demonstrates how continuous research and targeted funding can lead to innovative solutions that have the potential to sustainably improve healthcare. Cellectric Biosciences is about to take a decisive step with the ongoing clinical validation. If the study is successful, the company could establish a new gold standard in sepsis diagnostics and save lives worldwide. The AIT will continue to promote the transfer of knowledge and technology in Austria.
Learn more: https://www.ffg.at/news/successstory-neuartiges-verfahren-fuer-die-sepsis-diagnose
