Sensitive, Reusable and Rapid Diagnostic Platform to Detect Multiple Pathogens

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 15 Jun 2023

Image: The G-MAB library contains more than 10 quadrillion (1016) distinct antibody sequences (Photo courtesy of Sorrento)

The development timeline for current rapid testing diagnostic devices (RTDs) is very lengthy, and their clinical sensitivity also tends to be low. Now, a new diagnostic platform is currently under development for rapid and sensitive detection of proteins and other biomolecules, thereby enhancing existing RTDs.

Sorrento Therapeutics (San Diego, CA, USA) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Virex Health (Boston, MA, USA) are jointly developing a highly sensitive, cost-effective diagnostic platform that is adaptable for various pathogens. This initiative harnesses Sorrento's expertise in rapidly selecting and producing highly specific antibodies from its proprietary G-MAB library that target viral and bacterial antigens. This process is combined with Virex’s novel chemical detection approach and utilizes the existing infrastructure of the glucometer industry. Sorrento’s proprietary G-MAB technology utilizes RNA transcription to amplify antibody variable domains from over 600 donors. Detailed analysis of deep sequencing DNA data reveals that the G-MAB library comprises over 10 quadrillion (1016) unique antibody sequences, making it one of the largest fully human antibody libraries in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Virex’s proprietary technology enables electrochemical detection of bioanalytes (such as viruses, proteins, and small molecules), which employs the same electronic devices required in reusable glucometers. The test strip chemistry has been reconfigured by Virex to detect pathogens. The aim is to cater to the needs of rapid detection for biodefense and preparation for emerging infectious diseases. Both Sorrento and Virex aim to provide a rapid, sensitive, accurate, and scalable diagnostic that can be swiftly deployed to combat an imminent or recurring threat.

“Once the diagnostic platform is developed, our unique approach can be quickly transferred to other pathogens and deployed when needed on a large scale,” said Scott Schaus, Ph.D., Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer for Virex Health.

Related Links:
Sorrento Therapeutics
Virex Health