The collaboration aims to develop PCR tests that can overcome molecular inhibitors commonly found in unprocessed clinical samples.
Visby Medical is collaborating with Watchmaker Genomics to develop next-generation diagnostic tests for respiratory pathogen detection in at-home settings, the companies announced.
The partnership combines Visby Medical’s instrument-free PCR testing technology with Watchmaker’s enzyme engineering expertise to address performance challenges specific to at-home testing applications.
Clinical samples collected for at-home testing are typically unprocessed, making them susceptible to molecular inhibitors that can reduce signal strength and lower assay sensitivity. The at-home setting’s demand for rapid results also creates unique performance requirements for both assays and their underlying enzymes.
“Recent increases in COVID cases involving new strains and the current flu season highlight the need for tests that are reliable and fast,” says Gary Schoolnik, MD, chief medical officer at Visby Medical and professor of medicine at Stanford University, in a release. “Every patient and their healthcare professional needs test results they can have confidence in so that appropriate treatment decisions can be made quickly for optimal recovery, infection control, and the judicious use of antibiotics.”
Addressing Clinical Sample Challenges
The collaboration will leverage Watchmaker’s StellarScript HT+ Reverse Transcriptase, which is engineered to be highly inhibitor-tolerant and thermostable. These properties make the enzyme suitable for rapid pathogen detection in challenging sample conditions.
“This partnership underscores Watchmaker’s commitment to delivering solutions that address real issues in clinically relevant applications, and we are excited to work with Visby Medical to provide a unique and urgently needed solution that utilizes their PCR platform,” says Trey Foskett, co-founder and CEO of Watchmaker Genomics, in a release.
Visby Medical’s PCR testing platform is designed to operate without instruments or extended laboratory preparation, positioning it for point-of-care and at-home applications. The company focuses on infectious disease testing, while Watchmaker Genomics supplies molecular analysis products including precision enzymes and next-generation sequencing portfolios.
The collaboration comes as respiratory illness testing continues to evolve beyond traditional laboratory settings, with increased demand for rapid, accurate results that can inform immediate treatment decisions.
