SPYDIAG

Founded in 2020, SPyDiag is a biotechnology start-up originating from research conducted at the Universities of Tours and Amiens.
The SPyDiag team brings together complementary talents, including five co-founders—four of whom hold PhDs in science, and a CEO with a degree from HEC Paris, who brings solid experience in the healthcare sector.

Globally, the number of kidney transplants is increasing, reaching nearly 100,000 in 2023. BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) is a serious condition that can lead to graft failure and a return to dialysis. As there is currently no specific antiviral treatment, early monitoring of BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) reactivation is essential to allow precise adjustment of immunosuppressive therapy.

In this context, SPyDiag has developed UriFastBK, a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) designed to detect the presence of BKPyV in urine samples. UriFastBK is rapid, easy to use—even at the patient’s bedside—and more cost-effective than qPCR.

At the same time, SPyDiag is developing a bispecific antibody-based therapy capable of neutralizing the two main BKPyV subtypes (covering 95% of patients). This innovative technology is based on humanized monoclonal antibodies specific to BKPyV subtypes I and IV (patent pending), from which the bispecific antibody is engineered.

With this dual approach, SPyDiag offers a comprehensive solution for managing BKPyV infection—covering diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy—with the aim of improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare system costs.