Recipient: Munich University of Technology
Funding: GO-Bio initial (01/10/2022 to 30/09/2023, EUR 91,500)

Project description:

In the case of infectious diseases, it is important to know the present pathogen in order to develop a targeted therapy. The project objective is to give doctors and patients the opportunity to carry out a multiplexed on-site rapid test within a short time frame without the need for laboratory equipment. The aim is to provide them with a diagnosis based on molecular biology. With the help of a single test various viral pathogens and their exact variants are to be detected. The approach combines the high sequence specificity of Cas13 with the sensitivity of an enzyme-catalysed colouring detection reaction. Compared to conventional rapid antigen tests, the procedure offers the possibility of quickly adapting the test to emerging viruses and virus variants. In this way, a contribution can be made to overcoming current and future pandemics. In the long term the innovative test is intended to become a routine tool in the everyday life of doctors and ultimately contribute to the optimal recovery of patients.

In the exploratory phase the chances of transferring the promising technology into practical application and thereby, ultimately, into commercial use are to be explored. For this purpose the market and competitive situations are being analysed, technical challenges are being defined and potential partners are being identified. As a result of the project, prioritised exploitation options are to be developed. An additional implementation strategy for market entry is to be designed.