Rapidemic, located at BioPartner 3, within the Leiden Bio Science Park, has secured $2.7 million in funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to accelerate the development of RapiDetect CT/NG, a rapid diagnostic test for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Unlike conventional lab-based tests, RapiDetect is designed to work without electricity or specialized equipment, delivering results in under 15 minutes. This innovation could be a game changer for communities in low- and middle-income countries, where limited infrastructure often prevents timely diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
“Securing this investment is a major step forward,” said founder and CEO Violette Defourt. “Our mission is to make molecular diagnostics accessible anywhere, without reliance on complex infrastructure.”
The grant will support assay optimization, scalable production, and preparation for clinical validation. Rapidemic’s technology, which amplifies DNA at ambient temperatures, aims to close significant gaps in sexual health testing, particularly for women who are disproportionately affected by untreated STIs.
Founded in 2021, Rapidemic is building ultrarapid, power-free diagnostic tools to expand access to life-saving healthcare worldwide.
Read the full article here: https://femtechinsider.com/rapidemic-secures-2-7-million-gates-foundation-grant-for-rapid-sti-diagnostics/
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