1DROP Diagnostics is a private company specializing in non-invasive diagnostic tests, leveraging advanced microfluidic and photonic technologies to facilitate early disease detection and management. Founded in 2012, the company operates from Neuchâtel, Switzerland, and Boston, USA.
Background
1DROP's mission is to enhance patient lives by enabling precision medicine through accessible, non-invasive diagnostic tests. The company focuses on developing portable diagnostic platforms that deliver laboratory-quality results within minutes, aiming to democratize healthcare by providing actionable health information to individuals anytime, anywhere.
Key Strategic Focus
The company's strategic objectives include:
- Development of Portable Diagnostic Platforms: Creating devices capable of conducting multiplexed assays for proteins, nucleic acids, and peptides using a single drop of blood.
- Early Disease Detection and Management: Facilitating the early detection, prevention, and management of diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders.
- Integration with Healthcare Systems: Ensuring seamless integration of diagnostic results with electronic medical records to enhance patient care and treatment outcomes.
Financials and Funding
As of October 2018, 1DROP secured $4.25 million in Series A financing, led by Christian Wildmoser, former partner at CVC Capital Partners, and the Swiss Startup Group. Other investors included Hans-Peter Strebel, Beat Schillig of IFJ Institute for Young Entrepreneurs, and Jean-Philippe de Toledo, CEO of Pharmacie Principale. The funds are allocated towards expanding research and development, conducting clinical studies, pursuing regulatory approvals, and commercializing the diagnostic platform.
Pipeline Development
1DROP is developing a portable diagnostic platform capable of handling up to 64 clinical biomarkers, including those for cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune conditions, glucose metabolism, and infectious diseases. The initial launch is expected to feature four cardiovascular biomarkers: NT-proBNP, D-dimer, troponin, and C-reactive protein. The company plans to incrementally add additional biomarkers and seek regulatory clearances for each. Clinical validation studies are ongoing, with regulatory submissions anticipated within two years.
Technological Platform and Innovation
1DROP's diagnostic platform is distinguished by its proprietary technologies:
- Microfluidic Biochips: Utilizing capillary-driven microfluidic chips that automatically detect multiple biomarkers from a single drop of blood, integrating all necessary reagents and processing steps on-chip.
- Photonics Technology: Employing innovative photonics to measure multiplexed assays, enhancing fluorescence signal detection and enabling rapid, high-sensitivity results.
- Connected Health Integration: Designing devices that connect with mobile phones and electronic health records, providing real-time, actionable health information to patients and healthcare providers.
Leadership Team
- Dr. Luc Gervais, Founder and CEO: An experienced entrepreneur and researcher with a Ph.D. in Microsystems and Microelectronics from EPFL. Dr. Gervais has held positions at IBM Research – Zurich and Boehringer Ingelheim Research.
- Dr. Jörg Ziegler, Co-Founder and CTO: A biophysicist and computer scientist with a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of Basel. Dr. Ziegler has research experience at IBM Research – Zürich and the Japan Tsukuba National Institute of Material Science.
Competitor Profile
- PHC Holdings Corporation: Offers laboratory equipment and services to biopharmaceutical, life sciences, academic, healthcare, and government markets.
- Innobiochips: Develops diagnostic technologies for precision medicine.
- Pre Diagnostics: Specializes in in-vitro diagnostic products for early disease detection.
- NanoLogix: Provides rapid diagnostic products.
These competitors focus on various aspects of diagnostic technologies, from laboratory equipment to rapid point-of-care testing solutions.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
1DROP has established collaborations with Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, NASA, and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology to validate and enhance its diagnostic platform. Additionally, the company is working with three pharmaceutical firms to develop companion diagnostic tests for cardiology, autoimmune diseases, and glucose metabolism drug candidates.
Operational Insights
1DROP's competitive advantages include its proprietary microfluidic and photonic technologies, enabling rapid, multiplexed diagnostic testing with high sensitivity and specificity. The integration of connected health features positions the company to meet the growing demand for decentralized, patient-centric healthcare solutions.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
The company aims to expand its diagnostic platform to include a broader range of biomarkers, pursue regulatory approvals, and commercialize its products globally. By focusing on early disease detection and management, 1DROP seeks to contribute significantly to personalized healthcare and improve patient outcomes.
Contact Information
- Website: 1dropdx.com
- Headquarters: Neuchâtel, Switzerland
