MicrosensDx is partnering with French biotech ProteoGenix to accelerate its diagnostic sepsis test towards important technical and clinical milestones. This strategic collaboration is allowing MicrosensDx to take advantage of ProteoGenix’s antibody expertise in the development of a novel ELISA test for earlier sepsis detection and patient risk assessment.
Sepsis is responsible for 48,000 deaths each year in the UK alone, many of which could be preventable with earlier diagnosis and treatment. Sepsis is also the most expensive medical condition in the United States in terms of hospital stays and post hospitalisation morbidity costs. Unfortunately, diagnosis of this condition is complicated, non-specific and all too often missed, creating a clear need for investment in a test enabling the specific detection and prioritisation of sepsis treatment to improve outcomes and reduce costs. The test currently under development by MicrosensDx involves the detection of the oxidised form of a novel biomarker that indicates the risk of severe sepsis and is based on IP exclusively licensed from Kings College London.
From a technical standpoint, the test is designed to recognise subtle structural differences between two isoforms of the target protein biomarker. MicrosensDx’s ambition to develop a rapid, reliable diagnostic test for such a target pushed the boundaries of conventional antibody development. This ‘dual sensor’ approach required advanced antibody design inputs. ProteoGenix’s design solution combines high-throughput single B-cell screening, which enables identification of rare and highly specific binders, with a targeted approach designed to engage a defined region of the protein. In combination these are essential for developing a specific and sensitive test.
Simon Walker, CEO of MicrosensDx, outlined the current progress of the project: “We achieved promising results in detecting the oxidised biomarker during 2025, and this has given us the confidence to seek additional investment and begin scaling up in readiness for clinical trials. ProteoGenix is a logical partner for us, sharing our belief in the need to radically improve sepsis diagnosis and outcomes for patients and their families. The company’s antibody expertise and technical knowhow will be essential in ensuring consistent assay performance as we move towards clinical testing.”
Philippe Funfrock, CEO at ProteoGenix, added: “This was exactly the kind of project our team thrives on. MicrosensDx came to us with a bold scientific ambition: to build a much needed more specific and rapid diagnostic test for sepsis. This truly inspired us to immerse ourselves in research and in silico protein modelling to design the right strategy from the ground up. We are excited to move this project forwards and to contribute to the development of such an important diagnostic test.”
About ProteoGenix
ProteoGenix is a specialized antibody and protein engineering company, offering end-to-end services across the entire antibody development pipeline – from gene and peptide synthesis to antibody discovery, production, characterization, and stable cell line development. With a comprehensive portfolio of tailored solutions, ProteoGenix partners with therapeutic, diagnostics, and academic clients to turn complex scientific challenges into tangible results.
ProteoGenix’s approach goes beyond service provision. Our team guides you as a true scientific partner, designing bespoke strategies from target analysis through to final product – making ProteoGenix the partner of choice for the most complex and ambitious projects in antibody and antigen development.
About MicrosensDx
MicrosensDx, a diagnostics company, is addressing the profound unmet clinical need to diagnose sepsis more specifically and enable targeted treatment sooner. Based on the company’s IP, its pioneer product, the ox-PTX3 test, is a novel blood test for sepsis, which measures specific forms of pentraxin (PTX3) and can be used to diagnose sepsis, risk profile patients and monitor treatment. Its ‘dual-sensor’ approach provides unique insights that current tests cannot.
With a strong record of commercialising inventions, MicrosensDx’s IP portfolio expands from sepsis to sample preparation and protein aggregation. The company applies its substantive experience in developing diagnostics to make improvements in healthcare both possible and universally deployable. For more information about MicrosensDx, please contact simon.walker@microsensdx.com