Quick clinic test to tell if an STI is an active infection
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-11324406 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is developing a fast, in-clinic test that tells people whether a bacterial STI (like chlamydia) is a live infection that needs antibiotics so fewer people get unnecessary treatment.
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 | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,000,723 |
| NIH project number | 4R44AI188680-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11324406 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people undergoing STI screening or who test positive on standard NAAT screening for bacterial STIs such as chlamydia and want to know if the infection is active and requires treatment.
✕Less likely to help
People with viral STIs (like HSV or HIV), infections not covered by the test panel, or those in locations without the point-of-care device are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team is building a rapid point-of-care test that detects viable (live) sexually transmitted bacteria rather than leftover DNA from past exposure. They plan to create a panel of viability-PCR (V-PCR) assays and run them on an automated digital microfluidic (DMF) device so the test can run in clinics with minimal training. The workflow is intended to be CLIA-waived and suitable for use by frontline staff, producing quick results during a visit. By distinguishing live infections from non-viable traces, the approach aims to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and slow the rise of resistant STI strains.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could get faster, more targeted treatment while avoiding unnecessary antibiotics and helping preserve effective drugs.
How similar studies have gone: Laboratory studies have shown viability-PCR concepts can distinguish live from dead bacteria, but combining V-PCR into a fully automated, clinic-ready point-of-care device for STIs is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
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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.