Latest news with #ELISA
Malaysian Reserve
12 hours ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Dash Bio Secures $11M to Accelerate a New Era in Bioanalysis
Dash's Fully Automated Bioanalysis Platform Is Reshaping Drug Development with Speed, Precision, and Scale NEWTON, Mass., July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dash Bio, a preclinical and clinical bioanalysis company reinventing the speed and scalability of drug development, today announced it has raised an additional $11 million in funding, bringing its total raised to $17.5 million. The new financing was led by The Aligned Fund, with participation from Freestyle Capital, Cybernetix Ventures, Swift Ventures, LifeX Ventures, Drive Capital, and others. Dash Bio's mission is bold but urgent: to rebuild drug development for a modern biotech era. While drug discovery has seen massive innovation through AI, mRNA, and CRISPR, drug development — the 7–12 year, multi-billion-dollar black hole between discovery and approval — remains stuck in a slow, expensive, and highly manual past. Over 70% of development work is outsourced to CROs whose labor-intensive service models are misaligned with the industry's need for speed. Dash Bio is tackling this bottleneck head-on. The company has built the first highly automated, GLP-compliant bioanalysis lab purpose-built to eliminate the friction of traditional CROs. Dash delivers assays like ELISA, LC-MS, and qPCR at speeds up to 10x faster than current providers — helping drug developers move from idea to IND to approval faster than ever before. 'We founded Dash because the broken state of development is one of the biggest threats to progress in biotech,' said Dave Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Dash Bio and former Chief Data & AI Officer at Moderna. 'Our platform was designed the right way from day one: real automation, real integration, and real science. This funding is a strong signal that the industry is ready to embrace a new standard — one where bioanalysis is a catalyst, not a constraint.' The company's approach is resonating. Since its initial raise, Dash has added top-tier biopharma companies as customers and assembled a powerhouse team including former colleagues from Moderna, Science Exchange, Rootpath, and other trailblazers. With deep expertise in bioanalysis, software engineering, and lab automation, the team is uniquely positioned to bring industrial-grade efficiency to drug development. 'Dash Bio isn't just faster — it's foundational,' said Ariel Winton-Jones, Partner at The Aligned Fund. 'Their team has built the kind of tech-forward infrastructure that biotech has needed for years. We believe Dash is creating the modern stack for bioanalysis and beyond.' With this funding, Dash Bio will continue scaling its automated platform, expanding its assay menu, investing in its proprietary sample and assay management software, and onboarding new customers from preclinical through late-stage clinical development. About Dash BioDash Bio accelerates clinical development by delivering high-quality, technology-driven bioanalysis at unprecedented speed. Its fully automated, GLP-compliant lab platform combines robotics, AI, and integrated software to deliver faster results and better data — helping biopharma teams get therapies to patients faster. Learn more at
Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
File affidavit detailing NAT-PCR rollout in blood collection centres: HC to govt
1 2 Cuttack: Orissa High Court on Thursday directed the state's health and family welfare department to file an affidavit within two weeks detailing the steps taken to implement Nucleic Acid Testing Polymerase Chain Reaction (NAT-PCR) blood testing facilities in all govt-run blood collection centres. The directive came after a petition was filed by advocate Prabir Kumar Das. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman passed the order while hearing the petition, which sought contempt proceedings against the commissioner-cum-secretary of the health and family welfare department for allegedly failing to comply with the court's earlier directive issued on Nov 30, 2023. The court had, at the time, disposed a PIL filed by Das calling for the introduction of advanced NAT-PCR testing in all blood banks, citing that the method allows for earlier detection of HIV 1 & 2, and Hepatitis B and C, compared to the traditional ELISA test. In its 2023 affidavit, the state govt had informed the court that 47% of the state's blood collections were already being tested via NAT-PCR at 11 centres and that it had decided, in principle, to extend the facility to the remaining 45 centres by March 2025 at a cost of Rs 200 crore. However, in his contempt plea filed on April 2 this year, Das submitted that information obtained via RTI from the directorate of blood Safety (on March 3) and the health department (on March 17) revealed that no progress had been made, and NAT-PCR testing remained limited to the same 11 centres. "The govt made a commitment before this court and failed to act on it. This amounts to a deliberate and wilful violation of the court's order," Das said before the bench, appearing in person. Taking note of the submissions, the bench asked the commissioner-cum-secretary to clarify what actions had been initiated since the court's directive and fixed the next hearing for Aug 4. In his original PIL, Das had highlighted the risks of transfusing infected blood due to the limitations of ELISA testing. He urged the court to ensure the implementation of NAT-PCR testing across all centres in a time-bound manner to ensure safer blood transfusion practices.
Hans India
10-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
KMCRI pioneers new scientific method to treat snakebite victims
Hubballi: In what could become a pathbreaking protocol for treating snakebite victims in India, Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI) has successfully developed a new evidence-based treatment approach that determines the severity of venom in a patient's body before administering anti-snake venom injections (ASV). Traditionally, snakebite patients admitted to hospitals were given ASV injections immediately. However, the new method introduced at KMCRI's Multidisciplinary Research Unit (MRU) involves first collecting a blood sample from the victim and analysing it for specific enzymes present in snake venom. Based on these findings, doctors decide the exact dosage of ASV — or whether it is needed at all. Speaking to The Hans India , Dr. Ram Kaulugudda, the nodal officer of the MRU, explained that until now, hospitals would administer ASV indiscriminately. 'ASV is expensive and unnecessary doses create both financial and health burdens. Our study has proven that identifying the venom levels through blood tests allows us to treat only those who genuinely need ASV,' he said. Under the new protocol, patients who come to KMCRI after a snakebite undergo a quick blood test. Doctors check for symptoms such as swelling, breathing difficulties, blood pressure fluctuations, nervous system impact and blood clotting disorders. The venom enzymes are measured using advanced ELISA machines. If venom levels are high, the patient receives the required ASV dosage. If the venom level is minimal, supportive treatment without ASV is administered. 'This is the first research of its kind in India,' Dr. Kaulugudda said proudly. 'It offers a clear guideline on who needs ASV and who does not. This will help rural hospitals too, where the misuse of ASV is common due to lack of testing facilities.' KMCRI researchers revealed that 82 snakebite victims were tested as part of this study. Blood was collected immediately, then again at 24 and 72 hours to monitor changes in venom enzyme levels. Doctors then adjusted treatment accordingly. 'The severity of venom decides survival chances. Knowing the enzyme level early gives us a head start on treatment and prevents premature discharge when venom might still be present,' Dr. Kaulugudda added. The study found significant differences in venom levels between species. For example, bites by cobras, vipers, kraits and Russell's vipers showed varied venom enzyme patterns in the blood. Depending on the species and severity, patients either received ASV or continued on supportive therapy. 'In the past, many patients insisted they were fine and asked to be discharged, unaware of hidden venom levels. This study gives us a scientific basis to decide whether a patient is genuinely ready to go home or needs further observation,' Dr. Kaulugudda said. The research began with a pilot project in 2020, studying 20 snakebite patients in Dharwad district — 16 men and four women aged between 18 and 65, mostly farmers. Of these, 12 had bites below the knee. Depending on venom levels, some were given ASV within three hours, while others received it between three to eight hours after admission. KMCRI now plans to share its findings with the state government. The team believes that deploying similar testing units in rural hospitals will help identify venom severity and decide whether to treat locally or refer the patient to a higher centre for advanced care. 'This research is not just about saving lives — it's about rationalising the use of life-saving drugs, saving money and ensuring patients get the right treatment at the right time,' Dr. Kaulugudda concluded. If scaled up, KMCRI's innovative protocol could become a national model, offering India's rural snakebite victims a better chance at survival while using resources wisely.
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Dengue's most dangerous serotype, DENV-2, circulating in Pune: Study
A major study being conducted in the city has revealed the presence of dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2), the variant that is most commonly linked with severe cases and hospitalisation. This serotype has been found in 65-70% of the samples tested in the city, with most of them belonging to Genotype II - Lineage F11. The finding has raised serious public health concerns, especially since the monsoon season is known to cause an upsurge in mosquito-borne illnesses. The dengue genome sequencing is part of this vertical programme with the Genomics Laboratory at BJMC leading the sequencing work. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO) Titled, 'Prospective Observational Study to Map the Dengue Incidence in the Pune Municipal Region', the initiative started on March 24, 2023, through a collaboration between B.J. Medical College (BJMC), Pune, and Pune Knowledge Cluster Foundation. The ongoing study started taking serum samples from April 2023 and has tested around 5,000 samples so far for dengue, using ELISA and rapid diagnostic methods. The data confirmed a sharp seasonal rise in cases during August to October in both 2023 and 2024, consistent with monsoon-related mosquito activity. 'Whole genome sequencing of dengue-positive samples was done to provide data that will help develop vaccines and low-cost molecular diagnostic assays for testing the disease,' BJMC officials said. Dr Rajesh Karyakarte, Professor and Head, Microbiology, BJMC, said, 'We believe this study will contribute valuable data that can be useful in the development of vaccines and affordable molecular diagnostic tests.' The Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC) is using vector dynamics and viral epidemics to understand the prevalence of infectious diseases. The dengue genome sequencing is part of this vertical programme with the Genomics Laboratory at BJMC leading the sequencing work. Dr Rashmita Das, assistant professor, Microbiology, BJMC, said, 'Preliminary findings reveal that Type 2 was the most frequently identified serotype, detected in approximately 65-70% of the sequenced samples. A small fraction of samples could not be definitively genotyped, indicating the potential presence of novel or divergent strains.' Around 300 samples were tested using PCR to detect the viral genome, and 54 samples underwent whole genome sequencing. Shockingly, DENV-2 was found in 65-70% of the sequenced samples, most of them belonging to Genotype II - Lineage F11, followed by Genotype V. According to experts, DENV-2 is widely known to cause more severe disease, including dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock DENV-3 serotype, like DENV-2, can also lead to severe forms of dengue. However, DENV-3 and DENV-4 were found in less than 5% of the sequences. Dr Eknath Pawar, dean of BJMC and Sassoon General Hospital, said, 'The public health officials should intensify mosquito control measures, particularly in slum areas and construction sites. Citizens should get rid of stagnant water in their houses and surroundings, and use mosquito repellents. They should also avoid self-medication and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms such as high fever, body pain, and rashes appear. Treatment is available free of cost at Sassoon Hospital.' Dengue is a vector-borne viral infection caused by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is caused by four different serotypes of the dengue virus - DENV 1, DENV 2, DENV 3, and DENV 4. Infection can occur due to any one or more than one of the four serotypes. These four serotypes are further subdivided into distinct genotypes.
Hindustan Times
03-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
PCMC issues show cause notice to Wakad hospital over excess dengue test charges
Jul 03, 2025 08:12 AM IST The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has issued a notice to Pentagon Hospital in Wakad for allegedly charging more than the government-mandated rate for dengue diagnostic tests, said officials. he directive was issued to prevent financial exploitation of patients during outbreaks of vector-borne diseases like dengue, the notice read, a copy of which Hindustan Times has seen. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC) The civic body issued the show cause notice based on media reports on June 30. Hindustan Times published the report 'Patient claims private hospital overcharges for dengue tests' on June 29 about the hospital allegedly charging more than ₹ 600 fixed by the state government for dengue tests such as NS1, ELISA, or MAC ELISA, in violation of a government resolution issued on September 28, 2016, which caps the cost of each of these dengue diagnostic tests at ₹ 600 in private hospitals and laboratories across Maharashtra. The directive was issued to prevent financial exploitation of patients during outbreaks of vector-borne diseases like dengue, the notice read, a copy of which Hindustan Times has seen. 'The hospital has been asked to submit a written explanation within two days of the receipt of the notice. If the explanation is not provided within the given time or is found to be unsatisfactory, PCMC will take appropriate action against the hospital,' said Dr Laxman Gophane, health officer, PCMC. Meanwhile, the private hospital officials did not respond to phone calls requesting comment.
