Cepheid, Sunnyvale, Calif, and Sherlock Biosciences, Cambridge, Mass, have announced a research collaboration between the two companies to explore the development of new cutting-edge molecular diagnostic tests. Leveraging Sherlock Biosciences’ engineering biology platform, Sherlock, a CRISPR-based technology that can identify virtually any genetic target, new tests could be designed to run on Cepheid’s GeneXpert systems. The collaboration will focus on molecular diagnostic tests for infectious diseases and oncology, beginning with a proof-of-concept project focused on detection of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
“This partnership will allow us to explore utilizing Cepheid’s easy-to use-cartridge to further develop targeted molecular tests that better address outbreak scenarios,” says David H. Persing, MD, PhD, Cepheid’s chief medical and technology officer. “With a global installed base of over 23,000 GeneXpert systems, this technology could potentially be applied in multiple settings where actionable treatment information is needed quickly.”
For further information, visit Cepheid.
