SeLux Diagnostics
Overview
SeLux Diagnostics is a biotechnology company focused on transforming infectious disease diagnosis and treatment. Founded in 2014 by Aleksandar Vacic and Eric Stern, the Boston-based company specializes in developing next-generation phenotyping (NGP) platforms for rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST). Despite the high costs and complexities associated with this technology, SeLux Diagnostics has managed to raise significant funds from prominent investors like RA Capital Management and Northpond Ventures, accumulating over $135 million over various funding rounds.
Recent Developments
- April 2024: SeLux Diagnostics raised an additional $48 million to further commercialize its NGP System in the United States. This funding round was led by RA Capital Management and included participants like Sands Capital and Schooner Capital.
- February 2024: The FDA granted 510(k) clearance for SeLux's Positive Blood Culture (PBC) Separator, augmenting the capabilities of their rapid Phenotyping System while making it the only platform to deliver AST results directly from positive blood cultures and isolated colonies.
- April 2023: The company's NGP System received FDA clearance for its Gram-Negative Panel, which now includes 23 gram-negative antimicrobial agents, reinforcing its position in rapid AST.
- April 2022: SeLux Diagnostics effectively secured $50 million in Series C funding to support the U.S. commercial launch of its rapid AST platform. This funding positions SeLux to become a leader in personalized diagnostics, particularly for combating superbug infections and antimicrobial resistance.
- February 2023: Jamie Condie, a healthcare industry veteran, joined the board of directors to bolster the company's strategic initiatives.
- January 2023: Received FDA clearance for the Selux NGP System's Gram-Positive Panel, marking a significant step forward in its rapid AST offerings.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
| Founders | Aleksandar Vacic, Eric Stern |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | RA Capital Management, Northpond Ventures, etc. |
| Industry | Biotechnology |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 100 |
| Website | seluxdx.com |
Early History
SeLux Diagnostics was founded in the attic laboratory of Eric Stern's home in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, by two engineers with a vision to transform diagnostic medicine. Initially fueled by a $25 million Series B funding round in 2018, the company moved quickly to innovate in the AST field. SeLux's development was markedly boosted when they received a milestone-based contract worth up to $45 million from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in 2018. This contract helped propel the company towards creating its now-patented NGP platform designed to deliver personalized therapy results within a day of hospital entry, significantly speeding up infection treatment and combating antimicrobial resistance.
Company Profile and Achievements
SeLux Diagnostics operates with the mission of preserving the lifesaving power of antibiotics for future generations. Their technology focuses on delivering rapid AST results using a unique 384-well panel to optimize antibiotic selection for patients. Key achievements include:
- FDA Clearance: Achieved for both Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Panels used in the NGP System.
- Funding Milestones: Successfully secured multiple rounds of investment, totaling over $135 million, indicative of investor confidence and market potential.
- Technological Innovations: Developed the Next Generation Phenotyping (NGP) system capable of delivering rapid, same-day AST results, a significant improvement over traditional methods that can take days.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with BARDA and participation in the Antibiotic Resistance Isolate Bank by the CDC to advance the development and accuracy of its AST technology.
Current Operations and Market Position
SeLux Diagnostics is positioned at the forefront of rapid diagnostics for infectious diseases, specifically targeting the urgent need for quick and precise AST to combat antimicrobial resistance. The company's NGP System is pivotal in offering results that help doctors make informed decisions about antibiotic therapies, reducing hospital stays, and cutting down the misuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics. This technology allows SeLux to enhance its market presence by offering unique capabilities that legacy AST systems lack, thereby catering to the growing needs of hospitals globally combating the rise of superbugs and antibiotic resistance.