Staying ahead of the technology curve means strengthening your competitive advantage. That is why we give you data-driven innovation insights into the BioTech industry. This time, you get to discover 5 hand-picked startups developing COVID-induced BioTech solutions.
Global Startup Heat Map highlights 5 Top COVID-induced BioTech Solutions out of 497
The insights of this data-driven analysis are derived from the Big Data & Artificial Intelligence-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, covering 1.379.000+ startups & scaleups globally. The platform gives you an exhaustive overview of emerging technologies & relevant startups within a specific field in just a few clicks.
The Global Startup Heat Map below reveals the distribution of the 497 exemplary startups & scaleups we analyzed for this research. Further, it highlights 5 BioTech startups that we hand-picked based on criteria such as founding year, location, funding raised, and more. You get to explore the solutions of these 5 startups & scaleups in this report. For insights on the other 492 COVID-induced BioTech solutions, get in touch.
PharmCADD develops a COVID-19 Vaccine using AI & Quantum Computing
Machine learning, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics, among others, help to formulate diagnostic and therapeutic drugs using novel approaches. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerates drug discovery processes to obtain a stable and reliable vaccine against the coronavirus. That is why biotechnology startups converge their resources to find the right combination of molecules to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 and streamline the quality of life.
Chinese biotechnology startup PharmCADD develops a COVID-19 vaccine using an artificial intelligence-based drug discovery platform, Pharmulator. The startup combines deep learning with molecular dynamics simulation and quantum calculation to execute searches for novel therapeutics. Pharmulator utilizes these technologies to predict intricate 3D-structures of proteins based on their amino acid sequences. Also, the startup’s use of quantum computing significantly reduces the time for drug discovery.
DS Nano and Biotechnology builds Real Time-qPCR Test Kits
Successfully controlling virus spread depends a lot on the speed of infection identification. Even though antigen test results offer an acceptable speed rate, they also have a higher error rate. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests, on the other hand, are reliable but require a longer time to process the results. Advancements in coronavirus research enable startups to understand its genetic characteristics better and develop rapid testing solutions for timely infection identification and control.
DS Nano and Biotechnology is a Turkish startup specializing in COVID-19 multiplex real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test kits. The startup’s DS CORONEX is an in-vitro diagnostic kit with a multiplex qPCR assay to detect target genes of SARS-CoV-2. It also allows both complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) synthesis and qPCR reaction in the same tube. After the qRT-PCR amplification, internal control genes provide data analysis of the test.
VirTIGO is devising a Genetic Test for Viral and Risk Discovery
The COVID-19 antigen, antibody, and RT-PCR test results provide information about whether the subject contracted the virus either in the past or present. These results usually lack data about a patient’s chances of virus contraction based on their health and behavior. Startups utilize prediction models to analyze the infection probability of each patient to provide a better healthcare experience and improved health awareness.
The US-based BioTech startup VirTIGO develops genetic tests and therapies by comparing the genes of individuals who were sick and not sick after being exposed to the virus. The startup’s saliva-based genetic test to assess SARS-CoV-2 risk or susceptibility looks for genetic markers in the person’s DNA. Since they use prediction models to analyze future risks, VirTIGO’s testing method proves to be more effective than conventional antibody and diagnostic tests.
Afrobodies develops Antibodies against Coronavirus
Localized vaccine development and production enables the pharma industry to scale its services for COVID-19 vaccine demands worldwide. Also, the governments are promoting vaccine development against novel coronavirus and other related strains to curb the disease spread. BioTech startups are developing effective antibodies to fight against the pandemic using conventional and advanced drug discovery practices.
South African startup Afrobodies draws custom antibodies from alpacas. The startup utilizes the same method to develop antibodies against live SARS-CoV-2 and neutralize it. The alpacas’ unique immune system provides heat stable and robust yet sensitive antibodies. At present, Afrobodies is looking for partners to develop their antibodies into practical solutions for COVID-19 treatment.
Orion Biotechnology produces GPCR-Targeted Therapeutics
While COVID vaccine development is among the foremost objectives of pharmaceutical and BioTech startups, some are also developing therapeutic solutions to support the patients’ health and ensure safety. For example, more effective drugs tailored to the consequences of coronavirus in lungs facilitate symptomatic treatment and ensure patient safety. This way, physicians are better equipped to help patients until the vaccine is available.
Orion Biotechnology is a Canadian startup that discovers and develops G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) targeted therapeutics to treat serious diseases. The startup utilizes its proprietary drug discovery platform to build OB-002, a Chemokine Analog. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an important cause of SARS-CoV-2 associated morbidity and mortality. Therefore, Orion’s OB-002 is a promising treatment for COVID-19 infection as it is a potential therapeutic intervention for ARDS.
Discover more BioTech Startups
BioTech startups such as the examples highlighted in this report focus on artificial intelligence, gene editing, tissue engineering as well as biomanufacturing. While all of these technologies play a major role in advancing BioTech, they only represent the tip of the iceberg. To explore more BioTech technologies, simply get in touch to let us look into your areas of interest. For a more general overview, you can download our free BioTech Innovation Report to save your time and improve strategic decision-making.