Rapid and low-cost solution for tuberculosis detection
Portable diagnostics for anyone, anywhere.
Rapid and low-cost solution for tuberculosis detection
Portable diagnostics for anyone, anywhere.
Existing TB detection methods are flawed
- Century-old microscopy-based test reagents are popular as they are low-cost and simple to use. But they have low sensitivities, and require specialized expertise
- Culture tests require dedicated facilities, weeks-long wait-time which results in diagnostic delays
- Newer DNA-based methods show better sensitivities but have significant upfront costs and do not distinguish between active and non-active TB
Our Solution
Our first product is a novel small molecule called DMN-Tre, developed by Mireille Kamariza (Founder and CEO of OliLux) and Carolyn Bertozzi (Founder and Scientific Advisor) at Stanford University.
DMN-Tre is a dye that fluoresces when incorporated in living mycobacteria (TB pathogen) but not in other microbes. This chemical reaction occurs under 1 hour without additional processing steps, allowing TB to be detected rapidly, cheaply, and with high accuracy.
Since DMN-Tre only stains live mycobacteria, it can be used to detect drug resistance, determine if existing therapy is working and if patients are no longer contagious. No existing dyes can guide such treatment decisions.
At point of care, DMN-Tre will be deployed as a simple sputum smear test that can be used in resource-poor settings.
Our mission
OliLux was founded to change the equation in this global TB public health crisis. Fueled by frustration, enabled by science, and inspired by hope, we are tireless in our effort to develop an accurate diagnostic tool that can reach TB patients and care providers in remote corners of the world where it’s needed the most.
Our Partners
