Rapid point-of-care test for syphilis and other genital ulcer infections
Official title: Development of a novel syphilis molecular diagnostic assay for a point-of-care multiplexed genital ulcer panel test on giant magnetoresistive biosensors
Funded at Magic Lifescience, INC. · NIH-11174434 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, portable molecular test to quickly detect syphilis (and other causes of genital ulcers) for adults in clinic settings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Magic Lifescience, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mountain View, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $180,960 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI185972-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11174434 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+) with suspected genital ulcers, signs of syphilis, or who can provide genital or blood samples for test development would be ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without genital ulcer symptoms, children under 21, or those in locations without access to the new device may not benefit directly from this work.
What this research studies
You would provide a genital or blood sample and the team is creating a handheld device that uses molecular testing plus magnetic sensors to find syphilis DNA. The work focuses on the best sample type(s) or combinations to catch congenital, secondary, and latent infections. The magnetic sensor approach aims to give clearer signals than light-based methods and to simplify the device so it can be used at the point of care. The goal is fast, accurate results so treatment can start before you leave the clinic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could get reliable syphilis results during a single clinic visit and receive timely treatment instead of waiting days for lab results.
How similar studies have gone: Existing rapid syphilis antibody tests and lab PCRs exist but have limitations, and PCR-based point-of-care devices using giant magnetoresistive sensors are a newer, less clinically proven approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Magic Lifescience, INC.
Mountain View, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ng, Elaine — Magic Lifescience, INC.
- Study coordinator: Ng, Elaine
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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.