Sepsis costs lives and billions. A Czech company is heading to market with a solution
Sepsis is a serious medical condition with a global impact. Each year, it affects nearly 50 million people worldwide and causes up to 11 million deaths. Even in developed countries, including Czechia, thousands of cases are reported annually, particularly in intensive care units. Yet diagnosis still relies largely on outdated culture-based methods that are slow and often fail. This has not only medical but also significant economic consequences — treatment costs per patient can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
For this reason, the Czech company DIANA Biotechnologies is developing a new ultrasensitive PCR-based method that could fundamentally change the way sepsis is diagnosed. Initial clinical results show significantly higher sensitivity compared to existing solutions and strong potential for broad routine use. “If we succeed, a multi-billion-dollar market could open up,” says company founder Martin Dienstbier in an interview with Roklen24.
Czechia wants to be on the global biotechnology map
The Czech Republic has significant scientific potential, and biotechnology is one of the most promising fields which importance will only grow in the future. We also have many successfully applied research results. However, the biotechnology sector needs greater visibility, both within the country and especially abroad. That is why new initiatives and clusters are emerging to strengthen international cooperation. One such initiative is Prague.bio, founded in 2023. Our goal is to establish Prague as a biotechnology hub in the heart of Europe, representing and connecting key players from companies, startups, research institutions, investors, and government bodies. After more than a year of operation, Prague.bio now has 21 members, including global pharmaceutical companies, promising startups, research institutions, and universities.