Direct-from-specimen test for bloodstream infections
Official title: Direct-from-specimen characterization of bloodstream infections
Funded at Helixbind, INC. · NIH-11251853 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A fast, blood test developed by HelixBind to identify bloodstream infections directly from a blood sample in about 4 hours, helping doctors treat septicemia sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Helixbind, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boxborough, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 14, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,000,000 |
| NIH project number | 2R44AI157322-04A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11251853 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with suspected bloodstream infections or septicemia who require rapid diagnostic information to guide treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without bloodstream infections or those whose infections are not detectable by the assay may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to replace slow blood cultures with a rapid, molecule-based test that works on whole blood. The test uses a novel dsDNA invasion technology to detect and differentiate bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes with high accuracy. It covers a broad range of bloodstream infections and has already demonstrated capability in a prior phase, including an array format to boost throughput. If successful, it could shorten diagnosis time, guide targeted therapy, and reduce hospital stays for patients with sepsis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Faster, more accurate diagnosis could lead to quicker, targeted treatments and better outcomes for patients with bloodstream infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous phase II work met milestones and showed feasibility of rapid, broad-spectrum detection from whole blood.
Where this research is happening
-
Helixbind, INC.
Boxborough, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singer, Alon — Helixbind, INC.
- Study coordinator: Singer, Alon
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Automated test that quickly identifies bloodstream infections from a blood sample
A fast, blood-based test from HelixBind that can identify bloodstream infections within about 4 hours to guide the right treatment.
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A faster way to detect bloodstream infections directly from blood
This project is creating a new device to quickly find out if you have a bloodstream infection, which can lead to a serious condition called sepsis.
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A new tool to quickly diagnose bloodstream infections.
This study is testing a new, quick way to check for bloodstream infections using a special tool that gives results in just three hours, helping doctors treat patients faster and more effectively.
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.