A new test to quickly identify active sexually transmitted infections and reduce unnecessary treatments.
Official title: A Rapid, Point-of-Care Diagnostic to Identify Viable Sexually Transmitted Infections, Reduce Overtreatment, and Prevent Emerging Antibiotic Resistance
Funded at Baebies, INC. · NIH-11066649 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a quick and easy test to help doctors tell if someone has an active sexually transmitted infection (STI) or just remnants of an old one, so they can give the right treatment and help fight against antibiotic-resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baebies, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | December 17, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $300,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R44AI188680-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066649 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for sexually transmitted infections, particularly those who may be asymptomatic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with confirmed non-viable infections or those who do not have sexually transmitted infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a rapid diagnostic test that can accurately identify viable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) while minimizing overtreatment. The approach involves creating a panel of novel viability PCR assays that can differentiate between active infections and non-viable pathogens. By utilizing advanced digital microfluidic technology, the test will be designed for easy use by minimally trained personnel, making it suitable for point-of-care settings. This could lead to more appropriate treatment decisions and help combat the rise of antibiotic-resistant STIs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the accuracy of STI diagnoses, leading to better treatment outcomes and reduced antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing rapid diagnostic tests for STIs, but this specific approach using viability PCR assays is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Baebies, INC.
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ng, Rainer — Baebies, INC.
- Study coordinator: Ng, Rainer
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.