BioTech Startup CrisprBits Develops Platform for CRISPR-based Diagnostics for Early Detection of Antibiotic Resistance

This new CRISPR-based platform combats antibiotic resistance in hospital-acquired infections by delivering results within two hours, enabling faster and targeted treatment for patients

Bengaluru-based biotechnology startup CrisprBits Private Limited, has developed PathCrisp, a platform for CRISPR-based molecular diagnostics for early detection of antibiotic resistance in hospital-acquired infections.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health challenge, requiring early and accurate detection of resistance markers in hospital-acquired infections, particularly in ICU settings. A recent analysis in The Lancet found that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) contributed to nearly 4.7 million deaths globally in 2021, with over a million directly caused by resistant infections. India alone has reported over a million AMR associated deaths in 2019.

Carbapenems, a class of antibiotics, often serve as the last line of defense against multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections. However, New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase(NDM) driven carbapenem resistance is a major concern in hospitals across India, contributing significantly to the antimicrobial resistance burden. This enzyme enables bacteria to break down carbapenems and other beta-lactam antibiotics, severely limiting treatment options and posing a significant challenge in clinical settings.

CrisprBits' latest study, published in Nature Scientific Reports, showcases PathCrisp’s ability to detect carbapenem resistance in bacterial samples from patients. In the study, the PathCrisp platform was used to test the presence or absence of NDM in DNA isolated from 49 clinical bacterial samples. The data showed 100% concordance with other techniques used as the gold standard (PCR-Sanger sequencing) for the same. The study was a collaborative research between CrisprBits, with Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher learning, Puttaparthi, and Asoka University, NCR region.

Commenting on the platform, Dr. Reety Arora, Principal Scientist at CrisprBits and corresponding author of the study, said,

With the growing need for rapid AMR detection, PathCrisp emerges as a reliable molecular diagnostic tool for clinical applications PathCrisp offers a fast and accurate alternative to traditional methods, leveraging CRISPR-Cas technology for unparalleled precision and instrument-light adaptability making it well suited for point of care diagnostics. The test provides an end-to-end solution, delivering results within two hours. It operates at a constant temperature, eliminating the need for a thermocycler, and works directly on various samples, including bacterial cultures.

“The rising burden of carbapenem-resistant infections is driving up healthcare costs, prolonging hospital stays, and increasing ICU admissions and mortality. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as bacterial culture and PCR-based testing, can take 24–72 hours, delaying critical treatment decisions. In this scenario, a rapid and highly accurate test like PathCrisp, developed by CrisprBits, can enable direct detection from clinical samples without expensive equipment or prolonged culture processes, ensuring early recognition and targeted therapy. It is an exciting development with the potential to change clinical practice.” says Dr. Ramakrishna Prasad, Global Medical Director, Swasti & Co-Chair, WONCA SouthAsia Region - Research, a leading medical expert in infectious disease in Bangalore.

“The simple workflow of PathCrisp makes it highly versatile, with potential applications across healthcare, one-health, and surveillance settings. As the platform continues to evolve, it is poised to become a robust point-of-care diagnostic tool” notes Vandana Hegde, Head of Business Development at CrisprBits.

Future R&D efforts will focus on adapting PathCrisp for low-resource settings by developing lyophilized reagents for room-temperature stability. Additionally, smart engineering approaches will be explored to create a multiplexed version, expanding its diagnostic capabilities.

CrisprBits Pvt Ltd is one of the first Indian CRISPR based companies developing high-quality and affordable One Health solutions in diagnostics and gene editing. Founded and mentored by five distinguished alumni of BITS Pilani, Prof. Vijay Chandru, Sunil Arora, Prof. Rajeev Kohli, Bharat Jobanputra, and Aditya Sarda, the NCR headquartered CRISPRBITS operates a 7800 sqft state-of-the-art facility in Bangalore, for CRISPR R&D and prototype development.

CrisprBits operates under three key principles: using deep science to deliver high quality products; adhering to the highest ethical standards, including in the choice of products they offer; and developing an organization that draws exceptional individuals with diverse backgrounds and affinities.

Website: CrisprBits

BioTech Startup CrisprBits Launches CRISPR-based Point-of-Care Tests in Partnership with Molbio Diagnostics

CrisprBits announces a strategic collaboration with Molbio Diagnostics to launch innovative CRISPR-based Point-of-Care tests

CrisprBits, a biotech start-up specializing in CRISPR gene-editing technology, is excited to announce a strategic collaboration with Molbio Diagnostics, a pioneer in point of care diagnostic solutions. The intent of this collaboration is to revolutionize point of care diagnostics by the introduction of CRISPR in Point-of-Care (POC) tests.

The strategic partnership between CrisprBits and Molbio Diagnostics represents a significant milestone in the advancement of accessible, cost effective and accurate diagnostic testing in the frontline. The collaboration is set to identify and capitalize on market opportunities, bringing together their respective strengths and expertise. By harnessing the unprecedented sensitivity and specificity of RNA guide-based target identification of nucleic acid, and the presence of both cis and trans-cleavage property of certain Cas enzymes, CrisprBits has developed a platform to build rapid, precise, and affordable POC tests for a wide range of disease and health conditions. CrisprBits will spearhead the development of its platform, PathCrisp, for Point-of-Care testing. Simultaneously, Molbio Diagnostics will leverage its large-scale manufacturing capability and well-established sales and marketing network to promote and distribute the developed POC tests worldwide.

Crispr and Molbio MoU Ceremony 

"The reimagination of health systems in India has to ride on a central role played by “pervasive” diagnostic tests POCTs (Point-of-care tests) that are light on instruments, affordable and designed for ease of use by community health workers. This would enable better preventive care and early detection interventions in treatment. This innovation has to be driven in the LMICs (Low and Middle Income Countries) as developed economies have legacy infrastructure that addresses these issues with access to labs or clinics at a different scale. By teaming up with Molbio Diagnostics, we are combining our innovations in instrument-light CRISPR POCTs to develop and distribute a new generation of tests that are pervasive and will enable early detection and timely treatment," said Dr. Vijay Chandru, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-founder, CrisprBits

The collaboration will focus on building POCTs for swift and accurate detection of various pathogens and genetic markers at the site. The tests will be made available in diverse settings, including clinics, hospitals, and resource-limited areas, where access to reliable diagnostic tools is crucial.

Dr. Chandrashekar Nair, Chief Technical Officer of Molbio Diagnostics, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We are very excited about this partnership with CrisprBits. The coming together of their innovation and Molbio’s strengths in translation, manufacturing and distribution has the potential to rapidly provide cutting edge diagnostics solutions where it is required the most. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our overarching mission to provide reliable and accessible point-of-care diagnostic solutions that empower healthcare professionals globally."

“CrisprBits was established with a clear mission to tackle crucial healthcare challenges by harnessing the groundbreaking potential of CRISPR technology. By partnering with Molbio diagnostics we strive to bring to these tests that impact real-time decision-making that leads to enhanced patient outcomes and more effective public health management,” Sunil Arora, Co-Founder and CEO, CrisprBits, said in a statement.

This strategic alliance aims to streamline the development, manufacturing, and distribution processes, ensuring the swift availability of these transformative POC tests to healthcare facilities and communities around the world.

About Molbio Diagnostics

Molbio Diagnostics is India’s first ‘unicorn’ in the medical technology sector that brings to healthcare professionals worldwide the Truelab® Real-Time Quantitative micro PCR system comprising Truenat® technology that makes Real-Time PCR testing possible in all laboratories, in the field and near-patient settings, thereby decentralizing and democratising access to molecular diagnostics. With a large and growing menu of Truenat® assays for infectious diseases, including TB, COVID-19, HIV, HCV, HBV, HPV, Influenza, etc., this rapid, portable and infrastructure agnostic technology enables early and accurate diagnosis and initiation of correct treatment right at the first point of contact. So far, this automated platform is deployed in over 6,000 PHC/CHCs in India and over 1500 testing centers in more than 40 countries around the world.

For more information, Please visit the website

https://www.molbiodiagnostics.com/

About CrisprBits

CrisprBits is one of the first Indian companies using CRISPR, a breakthrough gene-editing technology, to develop high-quality solutions in the life sciences that all Indians can afford. The company was founded by a team of entrepreneurs and scientists with vast experience in both the industry and academic sectors. They have a proven track record in developing diagnostics, precision medicine, and clinical-research solutions used by clinicians, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms globally, including in India.

CrisprBits operates under three key principles: using deep science to deliver high quality products; adhering to the highest ethical standards, including in the choice of products they offer; and developing an organization that draws exceptional individuals with diverse backgrounds and affinities.

With offices in Delhi and Bengaluru, their laboratory is located in C-CAMP, a premier incubator for biotechnology innovation in Bengaluru.

Website: https://crisprbits.com/

CRISPR -based Biotech Startup CrisprBits Raises $250K in Pre-Seed Round from US-based VJ Group

CrisprBits, one of the first Indian companies using CRISPR, a breakthrough gene-editing technology, has raised 250,000 USD in Pre-seed funding from US-based VJ Group. The funding will be used towards product development, team expansion and for research and development.

Founded by Dr. Vijay Chandru, Sunil Arora, Dr. Rajeev Kohli, Bharat Jobanputra, and Aditya Sarda in 2020, CrisprBits was started with a vision of developing high-quality healthcare solutions in diagnostics and gene editing that all Indians can afford. The company plans to extend its CRISPR-based diagnostics platform to point-of-care detection of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes associated with hospital-acquired infections. CRISPR is used by bacteria to protect themselves from invading viruses and in the past few years, scientists have harnessed the power of CRISPR to develop therapeutics as well as other biotechnological products in the domains of human, plant & microbial bio-engineering.

Very recently, the company developed OmiCrisp, a CRISPR- based test to detect SARS-CoV2 and to determine whether it is an Omicron or non-omicron variant. The test was developed with support and collaboration from the C-CAMP-InDx (Indigenisation of Diagnostics Program), an initiative supported by the Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India.

The CrisprBits team comprises industry veterans with a deep understanding of genomic science and a track record of running successful businesses. Dr. Vijay Chandru, a renowned academician and entrepreneur, co-founded Strand Life Sciences, a leading genomics-based research and diagnostic company. Dr. Rajeev Kohli is an Ira Leon Rennert Professor of Business at Columbia Business School and has been a part of the Marketing Division since 1991. Sunil Arora, as the Managing Director of Abilities India Pistons & Rings Ltd, has transformed the company from a domestic aftermarket player to an 80% export OEM supplier. Bharat Jobanputra, a former Vice President of Projects at Forderanlagen Magdeburg GmbH in Canada, has led multiple major turnkey projects for top multinational companies. Aditya Sarda is both the Managing Director of Bhawani Plywoods Private Limited and a partner in Pioneer Timber Products.

Sunil Arora, Co-Founder and CEO, CrisprBits, added, “CrisprBits was founded with an aim to address critical healthcare needs through the use of a breakthrough technology like CRISPR. The team’s prior experience in developing diagnostics, precision medicine and clinical-research solutions that are used by clinicians, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in India and around the world, has enabled us to come out with products that have significant public health and social impact. We are thrilled to welcome the VJ Group as our strategic investors.The new investment will accelerate our next phase of growth and allow us develop many more high-quality healthcare solutions in diagnostics and gene editing. ”

Commenting on the investment, Vijay Alreja, Founder and CEO, VJ Group, said, “The potential of CRISPR technology is truly incredible, and we are excited to support CrisprBits harnessing this technology to develop high quality yet affordable and accessible solutions to improve human health. Our team is thrilled to embark upon this journey with a high caliber leadership and scientific team at CrisprBits to leverage an innovative and groundbreaking CRISPR technology for human well-being. We look forward to working together to commercialize the products that are in the pipeline as well as develop new products. We strongly believe that this collaboration will lead to synergistic outcomes”

Dr Vijay Chandru, Co-Founder and CSO, said, "At CrisprBits, we are using the latest in CRISPR gene editing technology to bring high-quality life sciences solutions to all Indians. With the recent publication of our manuscript on OmiCrisp, a CRISPR-based test for SARS-CoV2, we are demonstrating our commitment to infectious disease surveillance and one health. Through our upcoming ‘PATHCRISP’ point of care platform, we are making these solutions accessible to all. Beyond diagnostics, we will also explore new therapeutic strategies in gene editing for oncology, cardio-vascular applications, and even industrial biotechnology applications."

About VJ Group

Over the past 35 years, VJ Group has developed and commercialized numerous X-ray inspection systems and solutions for a variety of industries. VJ Group’s fastest growing venture is a partnership in IITPL, a Bengaluru based company that has indigenously developed and manufactured innovative Cath lab; IITPL has now become India’s fastest growing and Asia’s most awarded Cath lab company.

About CrisprBits

CrisprBits is one of the first Indian companies using CRISPR, a breakthrough gene-editing technology, to develop high-quality solutions in the life sciences that all Indians can afford. The company was founded by a team of entrepreneurs and scientists with vast experience in both the industry and academic sectors. They have a proven track record in developing diagnostics, precision medicine, and clinical-research solutions used by clinicians, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms globally, including in India.

CrisprBits operates under three key principles: using deep science to deliver high quality products; adhering to the highest ethical standards, including in the choice of products they offer; and developing an organization that draws exceptional individuals with diverse backgrounds and affinities.

With offices in Delhi and Bengaluru, their laboratory is located in C-CAMP, a premier incubator for biotechnology innovation in Bengaluru.