QUT spinout Microbio has developed a breakthrough pathogen test transforming the detection of sepsis—a silent killer responsible for 11 million deaths annually* worldwide.

Based at TRI, this biotech scale-up is pioneering blood testing with its InfectID products, which rapidly identify bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Every hour of delayed treatment increases sepsis mortality by 7.6%**, and InfectID-BSI detects blood-borne pathogens leading to sepsis and septic shock about 13 hours faster*** than conventional methods. Particularly valuable for developing regions with limited healthcare infrastructure, Microbio’s technology is already commercially available in Europe, the UK and India.

With A$3.5m raised in 2022, the company is conducting clinical trials at BRIJ in pursuit of Australian and US regulatory approval, expanding its manufacturing capacity and exploring applications.

Microba Life Sciences, launched at TRI in 2018, pioneered advanced DNA analysis technology known as metagenomics for comprehensive gut microbiome analysis, illuminating the complex relationships between microorganisms and health to advance personalised medicine.

Under the guidance of TRI ambassador Prof Ian Frazer AC and a team of microbiome experts, Microba developed the world’s first accredited diagnostic test capable of detecting 175 gut pathogens in a single exam. This breakthrough attracted international healthcare partners for the global rollout of at-home gut health testing.

Following a successful A$30m IPO in 2022, Microba continues to expand its gut analysis services while developing new treatments for autoimmune conditions. Research with the Australian Department of Defence further underscores the technology’s broader potential.

Brisbane biotech Vaxxas is developing a needle-free patch with the potential to transform vaccination globally. The high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) features thousands of microprojections covered in tiny doses of vaccine that efficiently deliver vaccines to the skin, prompting an immune response comparable to a traditional needle and syringe while requiring a smaller dose.

Born from technology developed at UQ, Vaxxas established operations at Translational Research Institute (TRI) in 2015 to leverage its advanced infrastructure and industry support before expanding to a custom-built biomedical facility just over the river in 2023.

Since inception, Vaxxas has secured over A$300m in funding. Its latest private funding round will support late-stage clinical trials and manufacturing scale-up, positioning the company for its first commercial products and revenue generation from 2028.

Infensa Bioscience is pioneering therapeutic solutions to treat the two leading causes of death worldwide – heart attack and stroke – by converting one of nature’s oldest weapons into life-saving medicine.

Inspired by a peptide from the K’gari funnel-web spider, Infensa’s drug candidates block the signal that prompts oxygen-starved cells to die during heart attacks or strokes.

After securing A$23m to launch Infensa Bioscience, the company licensed the game-changing research from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience, and joined Translational Research Institute (TRI) Australia in 2022 to develop what could be the world’s first cardioprotective drug. With government funding set to support human trials in 2025, this breakthrough may transform emergency cardiac care by boosting survival rates and post-attack quality of life, while extending donor heart viability during heart transplantation.

Global bioplastic production has doubled since 2010, yet to fully realise its environmental benefit and contribute to a circular economy, improved systems for bioplastic degradation and recycling must evolve.

To this end, CSIRO researchers are developing enzyme-based technologies that break bioplastic waste into its basic chemical components. The team uses computational genomics, machine learning and high-throughput testing to screen thousands of enzyme variants at the BioFoundry.

The work offers two solutions: embedding enzymes during production to ensure biodegradability, or using enhanced enzymes for recycling. Its aim is to create enzymes that are highly active and stable, ensuring an efficient, cost-effective process for large-scale recycling.