DNAe’s Point-of-Need Sequencing Diagnostic Earns Breakthrough Status

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted DNAe, the next generation sequencing company developing novel point-of-need diagnostics, a “Breakthrough Device” designation for its pioneering platform and first assay.
 
DNAe has reinvented sequencing in order to develop a compact device operable by non-specialist users. LiDia-SEQ will, for the first time, bring genomic analysis into use at the point-of-need to meet urgent medical needs. The entire process is automated, from raw sample through to actionable report, in a cartridge-contained, hands-free format, and can be used in diverse environments. The platform is based on novel, semiconductor sequencing, which uses a silicon chip to detect ions released in the step-by-step construction of nucleic acids, e.g. DNA.
 
The device will support a pipeline of rapid and cost-effective tests, including for infectious disease diagnostics, cancer, infection control, and preparedness and response for pandemics. In 2016, DNAe was awarded a contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA*), worth up to $51.9 million if all options are awarded, to support development of the innovative platform initially for rapid diagnosis of antimicrobial resistant infections.
 
Now, the FDA has granted DNAe a Breakthrough Device designation for LiDia-SEQ and its first assay. This first assay is in infectious disease, a groundbreaking direct-from-specimen test for bloodstream infections (BSI) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to detect and identify infections that can lead to sepsis.
 
This diagnostic is poised to revolutionize treatment, particularly of antibiotic resistant infections, addressing a critical unmet need. By rapidly detecting and identifying infectious agents and the most prevalent AMR markers directly from whole blood specimens, the platform will enable swifter treatment with targeted therapeutics, improving patient outcomes. The prototype assay currently under development consists of >1000 bacteria, 150 fungi/yeast and 35 AMR markers. The company reported successful completion of the first phase of development in 2018 and is now approaching completion of the second phase.
 
A ‘Breakthrough Device’ is a device that provides more effective treatment or diagnosis of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating human diseases or conditions. Under the program, the FDA will provide frequent and informal interactions and support during the advancement of DNAe’s LiDia-SEQ™ sequencing system and BSI/AMR test, from development to launch.
 
Samuel Reed, president of DNAe commented: “We are proud that the FDA has decided to grant Breakthrough Device designation to our LiDia-SEQ sequencing system and BSI/AMR test. This is testament to the growing recognition of the profound benefit our technology can offer to clinicians and patients. We look forward to working with the FDA and expediting development of our diagnostic to market.”
 
Professor Christofer Toumazou, DNAe’s Executive Chairman and founder, and Regius Professor of Engineering at Imperial College London added: “At a time when health systems are under acute pressure to deliver a rapid response to infectious agents, the vital need for improved diagnostic technologies is self-evident. DNAe’s direct-from-specimen sequencing technology can quickly identify infectious agents and AMR, providing insightful and actionable information to clinicians. By enabling the right treatment at the right time, we can help to save patient’s lives.”
 
*This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under Contract No. HHSO100201600017C.