TB Biosciences is developing an accurate, easy-to-use, affordable rapid point-of-care test intended to replace the unreliable sputum smear for diagnosing active tuberculosis. The company uses an array of patented peptides, developed and exclusively licensed from NYU School of Medicine, derived from the tuberculosis genome to detect antibodies in patients. Preliminary performance data using samples from endemic countries yielded sensitivity greater than 90%, and the test is designed to detect active TB in children, adults and people co‑infected with HIV. The technology was developed over the past 20 years at NYU School of Medicine under Suman Laal, Ph.D., and the company was founded in June 2013. Product development efforts will occur in Bethlehem, Pa., and the company plans clinical trials to validate and optimize the test. Leadership includes CEO and co‑founder Sam Niedbala, who previously helped commercialize rapid infectious disease tests at OraSure Technologies.

Total raised

$2M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Jul 2013