Scout Secures Funding to Combat Antibiotic-Resistant STIs

Recently, Scout, a diagnostics developer based in Santa Clara, California, has made a significant stride in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They announced securing a $1 million funding injection from the Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) to support the development of their innovative point-of-care molecular diagnostic test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

CARB-X is a global non-profit formed in 2016 to speed up the development of new antibiotics and diagnostics against drug-resistant bacteria. It brings together governments, non-profits, academia, and industry to fund and support promising projects from early research to clinical trials. By tackling antibiotic resistance, CARB-X addresses a critical public health challenge through collaboration and resource mobilization.

Formerly known as Uh-Oh Labs, Scout plans to utilize the funds to demonstrate the proof of concept and feasibility of their assay named STI Scout. This technology, designed to detect and differentiate Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, promises results in just about 30 minutes using Scout’s proprietary Loop-de-Loop isothermal molecular diagnostic system.

The Scout system, comprising the Scout Hub, Scout Connect mobile app, and single-use Scout Test Kits, offers versatility, as it can be utilized with first void urine or vaginal swabs. Additionally, Scout aims to incorporate detection of antibiotic susceptibility of gonorrhea in future iterations of the test.

One notable aspect of Scout’s approach is its potential for widespread adoption due to its emphasis on low-cost consumables and a user-friendly interface. This could greatly enhance accessibility, especially in resource-limited settings where STI testing is urgently needed.

Erin Duffy, R&D chief of CARB-X, emphasized the importance of rapid and affordable diagnostics in combating drug-resistant gonorrhea. The endorsement from CARB-X underscores the critical role that Scout’s innovation could play in addressing this pressing public health concern.

With this latest funding from CARB-X, Scout is well-positioned to make significant strides in the realm of STI diagnostics, potentially benefiting clinicians, patients, and global health initiatives.