TB Biosciences

TB Biosciences, Inc. is an early-stage medical diagnostics company focused on the development of a rapid, point-of-care test for active tuberculosis (TB). Founded in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in June 2013, the company was established by a team that includes Sam Niedbala, Ph.D., who also serves as CEO, Daniel Malamud, Suman Laal, and William Abrams. The company aims to replace the over 125-year-old sputum smear test, which is known for its low accuracy of less than 50%.

The core of TB Biosciences' technology is an array of patented peptides exclusively licensed from the NYU School of Medicine. These small proteins and their corresponding antibodies are detectable in the blood of individuals with active tuberculosis but are not present in those with latent or no infection. By examining the genome of the tuberculosis bacteria, the company has identified and is working with a diverse group of these proteins. This approach involves combining the novel proteins and synthetic peptides into a multiplexed diagnostic format. The company has reported achieving sensitivity and specificity higher than 90% with combinations of these peptides.

TB Biosciences operates in the in-vitro diagnostics and molecular diagnostics market. The business model centers on commercializing a simple-to-operate test that can provide accurate and affordable results at the point of care. To fund its product development and clinical trials, the company secured $1.5 million in a Series A financing round in July 2013. This funding was led by Originate Ventures, with participation from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the NYU Innovation Venture Fund. The company has also received Phase I and Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Keywords: tuberculosis diagnostics, point-of-care testing, active TB detection, medical diagnostics, peptide-based diagnostics, sputum smear alternative, molecular diagnostics, infectious disease testing, in-vitro diagnostics, rapid diagnostic test, immunoassay, serological test, TB screening, NYU licensee, SBIR grant recipient, medical biotechnology, diagnostic peptides, multiplexed diagnostics, TB biomarkers, global health diagnostics