Scanogen Inc.

Scanogen Inc. is a molecular diagnostics company that has developed Single Molecule and Rapid Tethering (SMART) technology, a proprietary platform for ultra-sensitive, amplification-free detection of biomolecules. The system operates by tethering micron-sized beads to surfaces via long DNA probes; the displacement of these beads under fluid flow serves as a digital signal that indicates the presence of target nucleic acids or microorganisms. This approach eliminates the need for time-consuming pre-amplification steps, enabling direct detection in clinical samples such as whole blood, saliva, sputum, and urine. The company is currently focused on creating a point-of-care diagnostic platform, including the S1 instrument, which is designed to automate these processes in emergency departments and hospital settings.

By providing rapid pathogen identification, Scanogen aims to address critical clinical challenges, most notably the slow diagnosis of sepsis, which currently relies on multi-day blood culture methods. Their SMART-ID assay is engineered to identify the pathogens responsible for the vast majority of bloodstream infections within approximately two hours. This accelerated diagnostic capability is intended to allow physicians to initiate targeted antimicrobial therapy sooner, potentially reducing hospital stays, lowering mortality rates, and curbing the rise of antimicrobial resistance. The company, based in Baltimore, Maryland, has been supported by numerous NIH grants and holds multiple patents related to its optical systems, probe technologies, and background-noise reduction methods.