Image source: Spindiag GmbH
Spindiag GmbH was founded in 2016 as a spin-off of the Hahn-Schickard Institute for Microsystems Technology at the University of Freiburg. The aim of the company was to provide medical staff with rapid molecular diagnostic tests directly at the point of care. The founders, who came from the fields of biology, medical technology and microfluidics, used concepts developed at the Hahn-Schickard Institute.
After its foundation, Spindiag set up a development laboratory in Freiburg, acquired funding and worked with partners such as the University Medical Center Freiburg and Hahn-Schickard. In addition to state funding, the development of the platform also received major financing. For example, the state of Baden-Württemberg supported the development of a rapid PCR test with around six million euros. The further development of the platform was also supported by public funding, such as EIB financing.
The platform consists of a microfluidic cartridge and a compact analyzer. The cartridge contains reagents and automates sample preparation and PCR analysis. The aim was to detect pathogens directly at the point of care within 30-40 minutes. The original focus was on multi-resistant pathogens such as MRSA, among others. During the course of the pandemic, the platform was adapted for the analysis of SARS-CoV-2.
On the basis of a cooperation with research partners and thanks to funding from the state, a PCR-based rapid test was developed as a point-of-care solution that should provide a result after around 35-40 minutes. The state funding made a significant contribution to accelerating the market launch.
Spindiag grew to a considerable number of employees during the peak phase (some reports mention a peak of around 120 employees). Due to the sharp decline in demand for SARS-CoV-2 tests while development costs remained high, restructuring measures and staff reductions were implemented. At the time of the subsequent asset deal (see below), the workforce was significantly reduced.
Preliminary insolvency filing: On June 21, 2023, Spindiag filed for provisional insolvency proceedings and declared that it would continue business operations for the time being while investors were to be acquired. Dr. Gesa Pantaleon gen. was appointed as the provisional insolvency administrator. Stemberg was appointed provisional insolvency administrator.
Opening of insolvency proceedings: Insolvency proceedings were opened by order of the Local Court of Freiburg on 01.09.2023 (Ref. 58 IN 362/23); the commercial register recorded the corresponding entries.
Asset deal / consequence: According to a press release published by the sales consultancy InsoConsult (January 2024), a bidding consortium consisting of Dermagnostix GmbH, Endress+Hauser BioSense GmbH and Hahn-Schickard-Gesellschaft was able to acquire a comprehensive asset package from the insolvent Spindiag. The announcement mentions a remaining workforce of 37 employees at the time of the sale. This means that key technology components, expertise and other assets have been transferred to the consortium as part of this asset deal and are no longer operated exclusively under the Spindiag name as an independent market player.
Note: The specific patents, devices or IP rights that were transferred are not fully documented publicly. For legal details, it is necessary to inspect the insolvency file or obtain information from the insolvency administrator.
The technical core idea of the Spindiag platform lives on, partly through the direct takeover of assets by third parties and partly through the use of related Hahn-Schickard components. Specifically, the sources show the following fields of use:
Endress+Hauser BioSense
Develops an automated PCR analysis system (including Device BAB00 plus kits) for Water & Wastewater, Food & Beverage and Life Sciences. With on-site PCR analyses for wastewater monitoring, food safety and industrial process control, PCR modules from the Spindiag context are finding new applications here.
Dermagnostix & Spin-offs
Dermagnostix uses microfluidic platform concepts for specialized diagnostic kits in dermatology. Through the acquisition of assets, diagnostic applications and device components from the Spindiag portfolio have been incorporated into these niche applications.
Hahn-Schickard & research partner
As the original research partner, Hahn-Schickard was also part of the consortium. This ensures the continuation of basic technological research.
Spindiag was technologically strong and received significant funding. However, the insolvency and the subsequent asset deal also show the economic risks of commercializing diagnostic platforms in a volatile market, such as a slump in demand for corona tests. At the same time, it is a positive signal for technology transfer: core components of the platform will continue to be used in industrial and specialized diagnostic applications via the asset deal and partnerships, for example with Endress+Hauser BioSense and Dermagnostix. This means that the innovative impetus from Freiburg will be retained in a modified form.
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