Pathlock will provide results in less than one hour and with minimal laboratory equipment. It is based on an innovative genetic technology called CRISPR-Cas, inspired by the bacteria’s defence against viruses. The system is molecular seek-and-destroy machinery for specifically detecting viral RNAs. For Pathlock, it has been engineered CRISPR-Cas to recognise the SARS-CoV-2 RNA and generate a signal when it has been cut. An operator mixes the sample with a solution containing the reagents and reads the result on a dipstick or a cartridge similar to those used for pregnancy tests. This requires minimal training. The Pathlock’s accuracy is expected to be as high as or higher than the current RT-PCR golden standard. It will be suitable for second-line detection in field laboratories and mobile clinics, without the need of specialised centres.

Watch the video presenting Pathlock