Informuta Company Profile
Background
Mission and Vision
Informuta is a biotechnology company dedicated to revolutionizing infectious disease detection and enabling precision medicine for infections. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to analyze next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, Informuta aims to predict bacterial responses to antibiotics and assess the potential for resistance development over time. This approach seeks to conserve current market-approved antibiotics and improve treatment outcomes, addressing the global health crisis of antibiotic resistance.
Primary Area of Focus and Industry Significance
Informuta focuses on providing clinicians with precision diagnostics for antibiotic-resistant infections. Their proprietary technology, RESISENSE, analyzes whole genome sequencing data to identify resistance-prone infections and track their spread. This enables hospitals and clinicians to make targeted treatment decisions, improving patient outcomes and reducing the cost of resistant infections.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
- Develop and commercialize AI-powered diagnostic tools for infectious diseases.
- Enable precision medicine by predicting bacterial responses to antibiotics and potential resistance development.
- Support antibiotic stewardship efforts to combat the global health crisis of antibiotic resistance.
Specific Areas of Specialization
- AI and ML analytics of NGS data.
- Predictive diagnostics for antibiotic resistance.
- Infection tracking and monitoring.
Key Technologies Utilized
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS).
- Artificial intelligence (AI).
- Machine learning (ML).
Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted
- Hospitals and healthcare providers.
- Clinicians managing infectious diseases.
- Patients at risk of antibiotic-resistant infections.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
Informuta has raised over $1 million in funding.
Recent Funding Rounds
- September 2024: Received a $275,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program to further research and develop a platform for detecting genetic antibiotic resistance motifs.
Notable Investors
The company has received support from local investors, including Tulane Ventures, 1834 Ventures, Boot64 Ventures, and New Orleans BioFund.
Intended Utilization of Capital
The funding is intended to support the development and commercialization of Informuta's diagnostic platform, including clinical validation studies, regulatory approvals, and market launch preparations.
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
- RESISENSE: A diagnostic tool that analyzes whole genome sequencing data to predict bacterial responses to antibiotics and potential resistance development.
Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development
- September 2025: Opened a new laboratory at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center to conduct pilot validation and clinical studies, starting initially at Ochsner Health.
Target Conditions
- Antibiotic-resistant infections.
Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones
- Late 2026: Anticipated launch of the first product.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
- RESISENSE: An AI-powered diagnostic platform that leverages NGS data to predict bacterial responses to antibiotics and potential resistance development.
Significant Scientific Methods
- AI and ML analytics of NGS data.
- Identification of genetic antibiotic resistance motifs.
Leadership Team
Kalen Hall, PhD – Chief Executive Officer & Co-founder
- Professional Background: Pioneered Informuta’s technology during her PhD at Tulane University School of Medicine. Holds degrees in Biochemistry and Anthropology from the University of Florida.
- Key Contributions: Led the development of RESISENSE and secured funding from the NSF STTR program.
Leo Williams, PhD – Chief Technology Officer & Co-founder
- Professional Background: Recent PhD graduate from Tulane’s Bioinnovation Program, with research focusing on mutagenesis and tumorigenesis in human cancers. Holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from Louisiana State University.
- Key Contributions: Developed the computational and machine learning methods for analyzing genomic data in Informuta's platform.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
- The global antibiotic resistance crisis is projected to become the leading cause of death by 2050, with an estimated 10 million deaths annually.
Competitor Analysis
- PathAI: Utilizes AI and ML to analyze medical images for diagnostics, including infectious diseases.
- BioFire Diagnostics: Develops molecular diagnostic solutions for infectious diseases.
- Cepheid: Provides molecular diagnostic systems for rapid detection of infectious diseases.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
- Ochsner Health: Collaborated to conduct pilot validation and clinical studies, integrating Informuta's diagnostics into clinical settings.
- Tulane Innovation Institute: Provided support and mentorship, aiding in the development and commercialization of Informuta's technology.
Operational Insights
- Informuta's strategic collaborations with healthcare providers and research institutions enhance its market position and innovation capacity.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
- Expansion into additional healthcare systems for broader clinical validation.
- Pursuit of regulatory approvals to facilitate market entry.
- Development of additional diagnostic tools targeting other infectious diseases.
Contact Information
- Website: informuta.com
- Social Media:
- LinkedIn: Informuta LinkedIn
- Twitter: Informuta Twitter