If We Build It…

Many people struggle with getting tested at the doctor or in a lab setting. Unfortunately, people don't always feel comfortable going to the doctor to screen for STIs – stigma remains a significant barrier to testing, along with inconvenience and cost.? People want privacy, and affordable, accurate, accessible testing; testing at home could prove to be a game changer in addressing the rising cases of STIs plaguing the globe.

Decentralized diagnostics will provide more affordable options for people who are under or uninsured, as well as reducing burdens on emergency departments. Many uninsured people seek treatment in EDs, and that can put doctors in an awkward position. If they wait for test results, the patient might be lost to care, so they often prescribe broad spectrum antibiotics. Easier testing at home can help break this cycle that is contributing to overuse of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance.

Ultimately, affordable, OTC diagnostic tests give people the answers they need that is easier, more affordable and more private than current options. This empowers people, streamlines care and simplifies an overly complex system. New systems will have to be put in place, but that’s a healthy revolution.

Sherlock Biosciences ’ test will also address the real need for sexual wellness screening which will help find asymptomatic cases, which have a high prevalence. People want to be safe, but they don’t always protect themselves during sex and find going to a lab to test to be a barrier. Creating a better system for all people, whether symptomatic or not, should increase use, and that could slow the spread of disease.?

Sherlock’s platform is quite flexible, allowing us to develop tests for infectious diseases, cancer screening and prenatal conditions. There are also potential applications outside of human health in veterinary and agricultural markets for instance – RNA and DNA are everywhere and we can detect it anywhere.

We have chosen to launch with molecular assays for STIs because their prevalence is increasing and the need is not being met in the current testing landscape, where screening could have a massive impact on incident rates.

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