VedaBio

VedaBio is a San Diego-based biotechnology company building a molecular detection platform called the CRISPR Cascade. The platform uses engineered CRISPR enzymes, blocked sequences and reporter molecules to detect a nucleic acid target and then amplify the resulting signal through a positive feedback loop, generating results without amplifying the target itself. The company states this yields analytical reaction times of minutes, with an announced analytical turnaround time of under one minute at platform unveiling, and supports pooling of multiple targets within a single reaction for highly multiplexed assays. Because signal amplification is described as generally applicable to DNA or RNA, the company positions new assay development as a matter of target sequence selection and optimization rather than redesign of the detection chemistry.

The company frames its work around delivering products for clinical and industrial needs in molecular detection, and invites partnerships around the CRISPR Cascade platform together with its discovery and development capabilities. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit word associated with the creation of knowledge. Headquarters are at 11125 Flintkote Ave., Suite A, San Diego, California, and the company lists open positions.

VedaBio has assembled a leadership team and board drawn largely from molecular diagnostics. President and CEO Frédéric Sweeney, PhD, is also a Venture Partner at OMX Ventures and previously held senior roles at MeMed Diagnostics, Versant Ventures, Northern Biologics, bioMérieux and T2 Biosystems. Other executives include Chief Scientific Officer G. Brett Robb, PhD, formerly head of research and early development for RNA and programmable nucleases at New England Biolabs; Chief Product Officer Rachel Jones, previously Chief Commercial Officer at Karius and at BioFire Diagnostics; VP of Engineering Andrea Bryan, PhD (previously Inscripta, Abcam, Firefly BioWorks); VP of Intellectual Property Sally Brashears (previously Inscripta and Convergent Law Group); VP of Programs and Quality Haleigh Millward (previously bioMérieux and BioFire Diagnostics); and Head of Human Resources Adria Curtis. Randy Rasmussen, PhD, former CEO of BioFire Diagnostics, was appointed to the board of directors, and the company formed a scientific advisory board of academic and industry experts in November 2023.

Founding story

The company's name derives from the Sanskrit word associated with the creation of knowledge, reflecting its stated focus on generating previously unattainable, actionable information in molecular detection.

Business model

VedaBio develops the CRISPR Cascade detection platform and associated assays, and pursues partnerships and licensing arrangements around the platform. It has entered a strategic agreement with Siemens Healthineers and licensed CRISPR-based technology from Mammoth Biosciences for diagnostic applications. The company invites partners to explore applications of the platform alongside its discovery and development expertise.

Latest developments

VedaBio announced a Series A extension together with a strategic agreement with Siemens Healthineers, with the combined commitments totaling up to $25 million. It also announced a non-exclusive license agreement with Mammoth Biosciences for select CRISPR-based technologies in diagnostic applications, and continued to build its leadership team with the appointments of Rachel Jones as Chief Commercial Officer and Randy Rasmussen, PhD, to the board of directors.