Pathogenetix

Pathogenetix, Inc., originally founded as U.S. Genomics in 1997, developed an automated system for rapid bacterial identification and strain typing from complex biological samples. The company rebranded to Pathogenetix in November 2010 to better reflect its focus. Its core technology, Genome Sequence Scanning (GSS), was engineered to isolate and analyze DNA directly from a sample without requiring a cultured isolate, delivering results in approximately five hours. This represented a significant time-saving compared to conventional methods like pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The GSS technology was initially developed with over $50 million in funding from the U.S. Departments of Defense and Homeland Security for detecting bio-threat agents.

The company's commercial product, the RESOLUTION™ Microbial Genotyping System, was a fully automated platform that included the instrument, pathogen-specific assays, bioinformatics software, and pathogen databases for organisms like Salmonella, E.coli, and Listeria. The system generated genomic barcodes from microbial DNA, which were then compared to a database to identify the organism's strain and serotype. The primary markets for this technology were food safety, public health, industrial microbiology, and clinical diagnostics. Pathogenetix engaged in collaborations to evaluate its technology with entities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the USDA.

The business model centered on the sale of the RESOLUTION system and associated consumables. Throughout its history, the company secured significant venture capital, including a Series B round that totaled $11.5 million. Key investors included Excel Venture Management, CB Health Ventures, HealthCare Ventures, and Ascension Health Ventures. Despite its technological advancements and securing substantial funding, Pathogenetix filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In January 2015, its technology and assets were acquired by Toxic Reports, LLC.

Keywords: Genome Sequence Scanning, GSS, bacterial identification, pathogen detection, microbial genotyping, food safety testing, strain typing, RESOLUTION System, molecular diagnostics, DNA analysis, biodefense, foodborne illness, public health, microbiology, genomics research, Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, culture-independent diagnostics, genomic barcodes.