€1.47m EUREKA Eurostars grant awarded to develop a nanomotion-based rapid antimicrobial susceptibility test for cystic fibrosis-related bacterial infections (RAMST-CF)
We congratulate Resistell, CellEctric and Dr. Grégory Resch on the successful initiation of RAMST-CF, an exciting R&D project that was awarded a Eurostars grant of €1.47m!
Resistell, an innovative Swiss company, specializes in developing automated nanomotion-based rapid antimicrobial susceptibility tests (AST) to aid in life-threatening conditions such as sepsis. In this project, Resistell will collaborate with Dr. Grégory Resch from the Laboratory of Bacteriophages and Phage Therapy at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) in Switzerland, and CellEctric, Austria, renowned for its expertise in electrodynamic cell manipulation technology. This collaboration forms a robust consortium, poised to deliver a novel automated nanomotion-based rapid AST. The initiative enables the swift selection of effective antibiotic and bacteriophage therapies for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF)-related bacterial infections, which are currently managed empirically.
What is the project about?
The project addresses the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), where microorganisms develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs. This misuse leads to at least 700,000 deaths annually, with projections of over 10 million deaths by 2050. Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are especially vulnerable due to their susceptibility to bacterial infections, exacerbated by strains like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Rapid AMR development in these strains complicates treatment, contributing to high mortality rates among CF patients.
The RAMST-CF project combines innovative technologies and expertise from pioneering entities in the field of automated sample purification and preparation (CellEctric), automated nanomotion-based AST (Resistell), and fundamental knowledge on bacteriophages and validation (CHUV) to develop automated AntiMicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AMST), Phenotech-CF. This system provides rapid and accurate results for effective treatments, including a phagogram to assess bacterial susceptibility to bacteriophages, with CF as its focal point.
How did FFUND help?
The team of FFUND was delighted to work with this innovative consortium to translate their ideas into a comprehensive project application for Eurostars. Under the guidance of Ivan Ramirez Moral, Julius Möllers (associate consultant) and medtech business experts worked together to capture the scientific excellence, and to identify the optimal product-market fit to build a strong business case.
Ivan Ramirez-Moral, Strategy manager & team manager: “In each collaboration, we aim to bring expert knowledge together and deliver a strong project plan and business case. I am particularly happy with the success of this project, because all pieces of the puzzle came together, and the product has a good chance to become available for patients when the R&D is completed successfully.”
Dr. Danuta Cichocka, CEO of Resistell: “We are very excited about this collaborative project with our partners, and are looking forward to improve the way the treatment for cystic fibrosis is done.”
