Detact Diagnostics Receives $1.6M Grant to Develop a Syphilis Blood Test Using VIPER® Technology

Detact Diagnostics has been awarded a $1.6 million grant from the Gates Foundation to support the development of a low-cost, rapid point-of-care blood test for detecting syphilis. The test leverages the company’s proprietary VIPER® technology platform to deliver fast, accurate, and accessible diagnostics.

This latest grant is the sixth award from the Foundation to Detact Diagnostics and supports ongoing efforts to deliver affordable, high-performance diagnostic solutions that address critical global health needs in LMICs.

The newly funded feasibility project aims to tackle a significant unmet need in global healthcare, in particular in LMICs, where millions of syphilis infections remain undiagnosed each year due to limited access to laboratory testing. The initiative will further demonstrate the versatility and scalability of Detact’s VIPER® technology across multiple disease applications.

Joost Gazendam, CEO of Detact Diagnostics, said:
"We are grateful for the latest grant to help advance our work in accessible diagnostics. With millions affected by syphilis each year, this project highlights the urgent need for rapid, reliable testing. Our VIPER® technology is designed to address that challenge — transforming disease detection where it’s needed most.”