CDC to use T2 Biosystems in testing for superbug Candida auris

T2 Biosystems Inc. (NSDQ:TTOO) said today that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will use its T2Dx Instrument to test and monitor for the emergence and outbreaks of the antibiotic-resistant superbug Candida auris.

The Lexington, Mass.-based company said the use of the T2Dx “represents multiple, new applications” for the platform. The system will be used for the 1st time to test patient skin and blood samples and also for environmental surveillance and to monitor outbreaks.

Both applications are currently available as research tools for investigational purposes in the US and Europe, T2 Biosystems said.

“The development of a rapid diagnostic for Candida auris is needed to combat this emerging threat and to enable patients to receive life-saving medicines in the critical care window while also isolating infected patients to prevent the spread of this disease throughout the hospital. I am excited that the proven T2MR platform is being applied to solve this urgent public health need,” Dr. Cornelius Clancy of the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System said in a prepared statement.

T2 Biosystems said that through the collaboration, it aims to validate the detection of Candida auris from patient skin and hospital environment samples, validate a process for surveilling the bug and assist in combating outbreaks.

The company said it is engaged in a European study looking to demonstrate the ability to detect Candida auris in patient blood specimens.

“We are excited to extend our T2MR platform beyond patient testing to environmental surveillance, broadening the number of our applications that may lower mortality rates. Candida auris could become a major outbreak without the appropriate tools to control it and we are pleased to use our platform to contribute to containing this emerging healthcare threat by enabling rapid species level identification. The T2MR platform is well-positioned to rapidly combat emerging superbugs and we are excited to collaborate with the CDC on the most pressing challenges in healthcare,” T2 prez & CEO John McDonough said in a press release.

In July, T2 said it won CE Mark approval in the European Union for its T2Bacteria Panel magnetic resonance-based bacterial detector, and said that it has entered the final stages of its FDA pivotal trial as it seeks 510(k) approval from the agency.

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