How do you connect the science of CRISPR with the objective of early detection of diseases?
Sherlock Biosciences was founded in 2018, leveraging technology from the Broad Institute's CRISPR portfolio for diagnostics and synthetic biology technologies from Jim Collins's lab at Harvard's Wyss Institute. These technologies are designed for diagnostics, with an emphasis on using AI to pre-program these tools, enabling rapid development of tests from concept to implementation. The adoption of CRISPR, particularly illustrated by our rapid development of a CRISPR-based diagnostic test for COVID-19, showcases the agility and innovation at Sherlock. This milestone not only demonstrated the speed at which our AI can facilitate the development of diagnostic tools but also marked the first FDA authorization of a CRISPR-based product, underscoring our leadership in the field.
Our approach combines CRISPR and synthetic biology for diagnostics, allowing us to perform complex diagnostic tasks that traditionally require high-tech lab equipment, in decentralized settings such as patients' homes or remote locations in Sub-Saharan Africa. This capability transforms the diagnostic landscape, enabling nearly all DNA and RNA tests to move from centralized labs to more accessible, decentralized settings. It is a paradigm shift in how we think about diagnostics, bringing high-accuracy testing closer to the point of need and significantly broadening the scope of diseases that can be detected early.
What will Sherlock Biosciences' technology look like in the home setting?
Sherlock Biosciences has developed two device platforms for home use, including a disposable device resulting from our acquisition of Sense Biodetection. This device, developed over a decade with numerous prototypes, can be manufactured at scale and offered at an affordable price, making our advanced synthetic biology and CRISPR chemistries accessible to a wide audience.
Our focus is on providing consumers with simple, portable solutions that offer immediate results without the need for complex equipment or procedures. Additionally, we offer a reusable "toaster-like" reader that can conduct multiple tests simultaneously, suited for frequent testing scenarios, such as cancer screening at home. These innovations underscore our commitment to making advanced diagnostics accessible and user-friendly, catering to diverse needs and settings.
How does AI contribute to the development of diagnostics at Sherlock Biosciences?
AI revolutionizes our diagnostic development process by enabling the rapid identification of the most effective assays from a vast pool of possibilities. This approach significantly reduces the trial and error traditionally associated with diagnostics development, allowing us to prioritize and test the most promising designs quickly. The efficiency brought by AI allows us to move from an idea to a validated assay in weeks, not months, illustrating a dramatic improvement in development speed and effectiveness. Moreover, our proprietary technologies and AI-driven design tools will be offered as freeware, allowing the global scientific community to design assays using our chemistries, thus democratizing access to cutting-edge diagnostic tools.
Can you discuss Sherlock Biosciences' philanthropic mission and partnerships, such as with the Gates Foundation?
Our philanthropic mission is integral to our DNA, with a focus on global health from our inception. Our non-dilutive financing from the Good Venture Fund and the Gates Foundation, support our mission because we meet critical criteria for global health impact: accuracy, affordability, and accessibility. Our technologies enable high-accuracy diagnostics at low cost, making them accessible to people in low- and middle-income countries as well as underserved communities in high-income countries.
Current philanthropic projects include developing a diagnostic assay for HPV in Africa and addressing tuberculosis screening. These initiatives, supported by collaborations with global partners, aim to dramatically improve health outcomes by making advanced diagnostics available in the most remote and resource-limited settings, demonstrating our commitment to leveraging innovation for global health.
Sherlock Biosciences' approach is centered around three A’s—accuracy, affordability, and accessibility. Could you elaborate on the importance of accessibility in your diagnostics?
Accessibility is a cornerstone of our approach, emphasizing not just the geographic reach of our diagnostics but also their ease of use. We aim for our tests to be convenient and straightforward, allowing any layperson, regardless of their medical training, to use them. This approach is critical for ensuring that our diagnostics are not only physically accessible but also user-friendly, making it easier for individuals to conduct tests in various settings, from their homes to remote locations, without the need for professional assistance.
In terms of commercialization and future growth, what are Sherlock Biosciences' plans for achieving a billion-dollar valuation or more?
Our primary focus is on launching our first product, an over-the-counter test for chlamydia and gonorrhea, by 2025. This launch is significant because it introduces a brand-new category in the market, with no current FDA-approved over-the-counter tests for these infections. Our approach, grounded in the three A's, positions us to fill a crucial gap in the market, offering accurate, affordable, and accessible diagnostics.
This first product targets a broad demographic, aiming to facilitate more frequent and private screening, ultimately leading to early treatment and better health outcomes.
What is your assessment of the investment climate in the industry?
The investment climate is improving, and discerning investors are seeking opportunities that demonstrate clear value and meet unmet medical needs. Sherlock stands out in this environment due to our innovative technology and the tangible solutions we offer for pressing health issues. Our ability to address real-world problems with effective, accessible diagnostics makes us attractive not only to investors but also to strategic partners looking for growth opportunities in new markets, particularly in the context of increasing interest in home testing and decentralized healthcare solutions.
Looking towards the future, what legacy do you hope to create with Sherlock Biosciences?
Personally, I aspire to be remembered as a disruptor in the diagnostics field, advocating for a more empowered, transparent, and educated approach to healthcare. Sherlock aims to be synonymous with the democratization and decentralization of diagnostics, bringing testing directly to the people, wherever they may be. This vision extends beyond human health to environmental concerns, highlighting our broad commitment to making a positive impact on the world through innovative diagnostic solutions.
