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| Image created by Dr. Michael J. Miller |
Astek Diagnostics, founded by Mustafa Al-Adhami, PhD in response to his grandfather’s experience with a urinary tract infection (UTI), is on a mission to transform diagnostic procedures. Witnessing his grandfather’s suffering, Al-Adhami recognized the urgent need for a more efficient and precise diagnostic solution. Thus, he conceived the idea of the Jiddu Analyzer, aimed at providing rapid antibiotic sensitivity testing within one hour.
Astek Diagnostics got its start back in 2021, when Al-Adhami sketched out his vision for a one-hour antibiotic sensitivity test. Over the following year, the company diligently worked on developing its first prototype, driven by the realization that the problem extended far beyond Al-Adhami’s personal experience. The prevalence of UTIs, particularly among vulnerable populations like pregnant women and those post-menopause, underscored the critical need for innovation in this space.
“Women, particularly menopausal women and expectant mothers, are disproportionately affected by UTIs. In case of pregnancies, if a UTI is not diagnosed and treated early, it may lead to a kidney infection, which in turn can result in early labor, low birth weight, etc.” Al-Adhami said. “As a result, rapid UTI detection and precise antibiotic selection are crucial for women’s health. We believe our technology is a game-changer.”
The Jiddu Analyzer represents a significant advancement in UTI diagnostics. Unlike conventional methods that rely on time-consuming urine culture tests, the Jiddu Analyzer streamlines the diagnostic process, offering rapid and precise results directly from patient samples at point of care. By eliminating the need for guesswork and expediently identifying bacterial infections, Astek wants to alleviate patient discomfort, prevent complications, and improve overall healthcare outcomes.
At its core, the Jiddu Analyzer operates by analyzing urine samples to detect the presence of bacteria and assess their susceptibility to antibiotics. By providing actionable insights within one hour, healthcare providers can make informed treatment decisions promptly, thereby minimizing the risk of antibiotic resistance and optimizing patient care. Collaborations with institutions like MedStar Health underscore the company’s commitment to advancing medical technology and improving patient outcomes.
Besides working on FDA approval for its alpha prototype, Astek is focused on fundraising and kicking off commercialization. The company is also actively developing additional panels, such as a CSF panel for meningitis, to address additional critical healthcare needs worldwide.