In a world where only 5% of the population has access to molecular diagnostics, an Argentine startup is set on changing this reality. Zev Biotech is pioneering affordable medical technology tailored for Latin America, ensuring that personalized medicine is no longer a privilege but a right accessible to all.
A Disruptive Approach to Diagnostics
“From the beginning, we aimed to be different and go against the current by creating a technology that enables unique and accessible diagnostics, something multinational corporations don’t prioritize,” say the founders of Zev Biotech. “Existing solutions are designed for large-scale structures and to address diseases prevalent in wealthier nations.”
Molecular diagnostics are crucial for identifying infectious and genetic diseases, as well as for determining personalized oncology treatments. However, in most Latin American countries, these tests are centralized in a few laboratories or must be sent abroad, increasing costs and turnaround times.
Maximiliano Irisarri, founder and Chief Technology Officer of Zev Biotech, witnessed firsthand the barriers to adopting large-scale molecular diagnostics. “Throughout my career, I encountered three major obstacles: expensive and complex equipment, costly test kits, and models requiring high sample volumes to be cost-effective,” he explains.
Introducing IRIS: A Tailored Genomic Platform
In response, Zev Biotech developed IRIS, a comprehensive genomic platform designed specifically for the healthcare systems of emerging markets. “Our technology is easy to implement in any laboratory and adapts seamlessly to their workflow, daily sample volume, and specific requirements,” the company states.
IRIS streamlines molecular diagnostics and makes them more accessible by integrating four key components: reagents, equipment, foundational technology, and software. “We decided to develop our own technology to gain unique competitive advantages over existing solutions,” Zev Biotech emphasizes. This strategy enabled them to create a more affordable and widely accessible solution.
Their breakthrough came with the approval of their Hereditary Thrombophilia kit by ANMAT, validated in collaboration with Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. “This milestone proved that we overcame the technological challenge,” the founders highlight.
Addressing Regional Healthcare Needs
Zev Biotech’s strategy goes beyond cost reduction; it focuses on developing diagnostic tests tailored to the unique healthcare challenges of Latin America. One of their key developments is an Antimicrobial Resistance kit, created in partnership with INVERA, to combat antibiotic-resistant hospital infections—an issue responsible for 8 million new cases annually in the region.
“Current market kits are designed based on healthcare systems in developed nations. They do not account for resistance agents specific to Latin America and come at a high cost,” Zev Biotech explains. Their solution will allow both public and private hospitals to conduct rapid screenings at an affordable price.
A similar approach applies to their oncohematology diagnostic developments. “With IRIS, we will be able to study all relevant mutations in a single, cost-effective test,” the company states.
Scaling Impact and Expanding Operations
To amplify its impact, Zev Biotech has launched a $1 million funding round. “Brazil is a strategic market, representing 50% of Latin America’s diagnostics sector,” the company notes as they prepare for expansion.
The team, led by Irisarri and CEO Gilberto Ugalde, includes experts in research, production, and hardware development. Their next steps include “developing the next generation of hardware for our equipment, enhancing automation,” and “finalizing the construction of a facility in Buenos Aires to manufacture our own diagnostic supports, giving us complete control over production costs.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Zev Biotech envisions becoming the leading molecular diagnostics provider in Latin America within the next five years. “We aim to develop and commercialize unique diagnostics that address major regional health issues, currently underserved or only partially covered by expensive or non-specific solutions,” the founders affirm.
By making cutting-edge diagnostics accessible and affordable, Zev Biotech is not only transforming healthcare in Latin America but also setting a precedent for medical innovation in emerging markets worldwide.