Rapid chip-based detection of antibiotic resistances

Project Information

ResisCHIP

Grant agreement ID: 101069316

DOI

10.3030/101069316

Project closed

EC signature date 17 May 2022

Start date 1 June 2022

End date 30 November 2023

Funded under

• European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 150 000,00

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITAT AUTONOMA DE BARCELONA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ResisCHIP (Rapid chip-based detection of antibiotic resistances)

Reporting period: 2022-06-01 to 2023-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Due to the misuse and abuse of antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a worldwide epidemic, with a projection of 10 million deaths annually, by 2050. AMR leads to longer hospitalizations andhigher medical costs. Bacterial cultures, the staple diagnostic method of AMR, present important drawbacks, such as a long turnaround time, low sensitivity, and the requirement to have prior information on the causative bacteria; leading to inefficient treatment, antibiotic changes and AMR.

Hence, it is critical to develop novel diagnostic methods offering a faster, high-sensitive alternative to bacterial cultures. While several systems are currently being developed, they require costly equipment and specialized training, limiting its use.

Thus, the ResisChip project aims at developing a high-sensitive AMR detection approach that will allow the fast identification of a wide range of clinically-relevant pathogens and resistance genes without the need of prior knowledge on the pathogen. The ResisChip project has focused on validating the first prototype of the detection system, and to identify the market potential of this disruptive approach. Once developed, the ResisChip technology can represent a breakthrough in the fight against AMR, allowing to precisely define the antibiotic of choice for the treatment of infections.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the project, we have focused on different experimental aims. First, we have optimized the ResisChip method by defining the best conditions to achieve the maximal sensitivity of the method in clinical samples infected with two different bacteria, such as S. aureus and E. coli. Our results have identified that the obtained sensitivity presents a significant advantage to current methods. Secondly, we have developed a diagnostic method based on a DNA chip, allowing us to successfully identify the pathogens present in a sample as well as their resistances. Thus, we are now in a position to develop a pipeline integrating our sample preparation method with the diagnostic chip. Thirdly, we have strengthened our intellectual property on the asset by preparing a new patent protecting our proprietary antibody. To that end, we have characterized the hybridomas and sequenced the antibody.

For what concerns the market analysis, we conducted in-depth studies on the sepsis market, first identifying potential competitors in the identification of bacteria and analyzing strengths and weaknesses compared to ResisChip. We divided competitors in two groups: those that start from a positive blood culture and those that don’t require a first cultivation step. In both cases our solution presents advantages in terms of time for the result and potential quality of information that we can extract. We continued studying the geographic distribution of sepsis-related illnesses and evaluated the potential impact of the introduction of Resischip in different contexts, concluding that different markets could have different needs. Finally, we confirmed our expectations through a stakeholder engagement campaign. We interviewed various stakeholders who, working in different contexts, have allowed us to better understand the problems and different needs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis. Those interviews brought us to the refinement of the value proposition of our product with respect to the different needs in the western and developing countries.

Various approaches to the sample processing were studied involving potential partner companies. Among those, the sequencing approach gave positive feedbacks that could lead to a partnership in the next development stage

Additionally, we have participated in dissemination activities such as press releases and seminars to raise awareness on the problematic of AMR and to highlight the benefits of the ResisChip approach.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Developing a fast, sensitive, and reliable AMR diagnostics kit is critical to improve our fight against bacterial resistances. To that end, we will perform further research to produce the first prototype. Furthermore, we will take steps in the identification of potential partners and investors to successfully bring the asset to the market, helping both at the technical and commercial level. To streamline the development we will incorporate a spin-off that will lead the valorization and developing of the technology, as well as seek financial supports by securing investors and grants.