Sherlock Biosciences acquires Sense Biodetection to advance CRISPR-based diagnostics
pharmafile | February 2, 2023 | News story | Business Services |
US-based biotech company Sherlock Biosciences has acquired UK-based developer of rapid molecular diagnostics Sense Biodetection.
The acquisition will integrate many of Sherlock and Sense’s applications, such as Sherlock’s engineering biology tools, which includes FDA-authorised CRISPR technology, and Sense’s Veros COVID-19 instrument-free, rapid molecular test platform, which received the CE mark in March 2022.
With these combined, Sherlock will be able to bring accurate, advanced handheld tests for a wide range of diseases, from respiratory and sexual health to global outbreaks such as COVID-19.
Sherlock will integrate Sense’s chemistry, manufacturing and technology into its platform, leaning on proven development and regulatory experience to expand the capabilities of the Sherlock platform.
Bryan Dechairo, president and CEO of Sherlock Biosciences stated: “This acquisition accelerates Sherlock’s ability to put the most advanced CRISPR-based diagnostics conveniently in the hands of global consumers. The Sense team has done a great job developing and validating their instrument-free diagnostic technology. Together, we can significantly push forward our go-to-market strategy by leveraging Sense’s innovative chemistry and device engineering, combined with our industry-leading molecular technologies to realise our collective vision of democratising and decentralising diagnostics.”
Sense Biosciences CEO Timothy Still said: “This is a powerful combination of proprietary and leading technologies and will allow Sense to realise our vision of delivering the future of diagnostic testing to transform healthcare. Joining Sherlock with their novel CRISPR technology was an excellent opportunity and we look forward to advancing our platform to meet the need for testing wherever and whenever it is needed.”
James Spargo
