Quantana - Quantification of gene editing in a precise, simple and affordable way

Purpose and goal: We divided the project into 4 main achievement goals:

i) Identification and mapping the needs and pains of the gene editing field, more specifically CRISPR/Cas9 researchers and validated product/market fit through customer interviews. ii) Identification of KOLs, created a database of potential customers and developed a go-to-market strategy.

iii) Development of a prototype product for gene editing efficiency screening as well as filed two further patent applications. iv) Enrollment of test customers for a pilot study and already validated the assay in-house with test samples. Expected results and effects:

The successful outcome of the project is a strong business case around gene editing and the generation of a proof-of-concept that increased our attractiveness for further financing. Aim (i) and (ii) led to a clear understanding and confirmation of the market, which includes customer needs, competitors and scale up opportunities. Aim (iii) and (iv) resulted in a prototype product that has been validated in-house using test customer samples.

Furthermore, these aims resulted in the generation of new IP, thereby further strengthening our business case and Countagen. Approach and implementation:

We are continuing the R&D activities towards finishing the external pilot test customer study with our developed prototype reagent kit and quantification chip. The generated data will be used as pre-liminary marketing material to enroll further test customers during Q1 ´22. Based on this activity, we will iterate our prototype product towards a potential product launch by Q3 ´22.

This activity will be supported by consultants to set up a QC and the marketing campaign. Other aims are to develop a low-cost reader to capture other market segments as well as a high-throughput assay version.