Astratus Limited, a recent University of Reading spin-out company, has successfully secured $1.9 million in new investment capital. This funding round marks a significant step for the company as it advances its mission to modernise traditional microbiology laboratory methods.
Astratus Limited develops a rapid, accurate, high-throughput laboratory platform designed to significantly reduce time to result and decrease labour intensity in diagnostic testing. The company's core innovation is a novel microcapillary "dip and test" cassette and instrument reader platform for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). This technology provides digital AST results direct from urine in under six hours, a substantial improvement over the several days typically required by conventional methods, while performing identically to clinical reference standards.
The technology plays a vital role in antimicrobial stewardship, particularly in managing urinary tract infections (UTIs), by enabling the prescription of the right treatment to the right patient and helping to tackle antimicrobial resistance. Astratus operates as a One Health company, serving human, veterinary, and research markets. Its platform combines metabolic dye visualisation with broth microdilution, leveraging unique patented microcapillary film properties and time-lapse imaging to deliver rapid AST.
This capital infusion will enable Astratus to accelerate the development and commercialisation of its rapid AST platform. The company plans to use the funds to scale its operational capabilities, expand its market reach, and further advance its technology. The investment underscores confidence in Astratus's innovative approach to addressing critical challenges in microbiology and global health.
Looking ahead, Astratus aims to broaden the application of its technology beyond direct AST, exploring its potential for researchers and companies developing new antimicrobials, investigating biofilms, or novel therapies, including phage therapies. With this funding, Astratus is well-positioned to advance its mission of modernising microbiology and making a significant impact on global health challenges like antimicrobial resistance.
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