En Carta Diagnostics

En Carta Diagnostics is a Paris-based deep-tech biotechnology company that develops portable, point-of-need molecular diagnostic platforms. Utilizing advanced synthetic biology, the company creates programmable diagnostic kits that detect DNA or RNA pathogens with PCR-equivalent accuracy. Its technology employs sensors inspired by toehold switches, which are freeze-dried onto paper to ensure stability at room temperature and ease of use. This design eliminates the need for specialized laboratory equipment, complex training, or external power sources, allowing diagnostic tests to be performed by anyone, anywhere.

The company focuses on addressing critical gaps in infectious disease detection, with a primary emphasis on early-stage Lyme disease diagnosis. Its lead product, the EC Pocket Lyme test, received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for its ability to detect Borrelia bacteria directly from skin interstitial fluid samples. Beyond Lyme disease, En Carta’s platform has been validated through field trials for various pathogens, including Zika, chikungunya, and SARS-CoV-2. By providing rapid, affordable, and accessible molecular diagnostics, the company aims to decentralize healthcare, enabling quicker clinical interventions and reducing the diagnostic delays often associated with standard immunological or visual testing methods.