#Australia #Melbourne #Antibiotics #Nutromics #IATDMCT

Nutromics Unveils Groundbreaking Real-Time Monitoring Technology for Antibiotics

In a groundbreaking presentation at the International Congress of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology (IATDMCT) held in Singapore, Australian diagnostics company Nutromics showcased its innovative technology for real-time monitoring of critical antibiotics. This technology represents the world's first ability to continuously collect and analyze data on two vital antibiotics, vancomycin and tobramycin, simultaneously using a single device.

The Importance of Real-Time Drug Monitoring

Antibiotics such as vancomycin and tobramycin are crucial in treating severe infections like sepsis and MRSA. However, improper dosing of these medications can have grave consequences. Overdosing can lead to nephrotoxicity, while underdosing can contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Traditional methods of assessing drug levels are often delayed, meaning clinicians may lack the immediate information necessary to adjust dosages effectively. Nutromics’ approach aims to solve this problem by delivering real-time data that can greatly enhance patient outcomes in hospitals and clinical settings.

How the Technology Works

At the heart of the Nutromics solution is a revolutionary device known as the Lab-on-a-Patch®. This wearable patch utilizes microneedles that are embedded with synthetic DNA-based sensors—aptamers—specifically designed to detect vancomycin and tobramycin. These sensors work independently to measure the antibiotic levels without interference, which is a significant technical achievement. The device promises both high sensitivity and specificity, showcasing its ability to function reliably in real-world biological settings, as validated by ongoing human studies.

Chief Operating Officer Hitesh Mehta emphasized the necessity of such innovation in critical care settings, stating, "Clinicians often tell us that today they are currently flying blind, relying on delayed point-in-time data." The goal is to turn the tide on ineffective monitoring practices by equipping clinicians with real-time information, enhancing their capacity to optimize treatments for their patients.

Groundbreaking Results from Animal Studies

In a recent study conducted on rats, the Nutromics platform demonstrated its unique capability. The device tracked the levels of vancomycin and tobramycin effectively, illustrating its potential to significantly enhance therapeutic drug monitoring. As stated by lead scientist Julian Gerson, this pivotal study is the first of its kind, successfully showcasing multiplexed measurements of antibiotics in vivo—a feat that existing technologies have yet to accomplish.

The researchers worked meticulously to ensure the sensors could accurately respond to dynamic biological conditions. Gerson noted, "While numerous biosensors have been shown to work in a beaker, transitioning from bench to body requires the technology to operate reliably outside of a controlled lab environment. This is often where failure occurs." Hence, Nutromics focuses on translating its innovative aptamer technology into practical applications in medical settings.

Future Developments and Clinical Trials

Nutromics is already making strides toward revolutionizing drug monitoring in healthcare. The company has recently secured A$7.5 million in funding, which will help to support further development of its technology. They are in the process of conducting first-in-human studies with their wearable patches, and clinical trials in multiple hospital ICUs across Australia are already underway. Looking toward the future, Nutromics has plans to expand its trials to hospitals in the United States in 2026.

The company's ambition does not stop at antibiotics. With successful results from multiplex monitoring, Nutromics is gearing up to add more high-value biomarkers to its sensor library, ultimately creating diagnostic 'panels' that could provide crucial real-time information across various areas of healthcare, including cardiology and home care.

Nutromics' innovation is set to revolutionize how clinicians monitor drug levels, potentially saving lives and enhancing the safety and efficacy of treatments for patients. This extraordinary technology is just the beginning of what promises to be a significant shift in therapeutic drug monitoring and healthcare as a whole.