Koru Biotech has announced a world-first discovery of a novel lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biomarker with significant clinical relevance for detecting disease caused by gram-negative bacteria. This breakthrough was made during research into rapid diagnostics for acute bovine mastitis, a disease affecting over one million dairy cattle annually in New Zealand.
Lipopolysaccharides—also known as endotoxins—are components of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. These molecules are potent activators of the immune system and are implicated in a range of serious health conditions, including septic shock, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammation.
Dr Tony Pernthaner, Chief Science Officer at Koru Biotech, explains:
“Gram-negative infections are notoriously difficult to detect and treat. Antibiotics are often contraindicated, as they can trigger endotoxin release and worsen symptoms. This biomarker discovery in 2022 enabled us to develop targeted assays to validate diagnostic, non-antibiotic treatment, and preventative solutions.”
The discovery lays the foundation for a new generation of rapid, equipment-free diagnostic tools that can be deployed on-farm or in clinical settings. These tools aim to improve treatment precision, reduce antibiotic use, and mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Verne Atmore, Executive Director of Koru Biotech, adds:
“Our platform is designed to address global diagnostic challenges. While our current focus is on bovine mastitis, early-stage research confirms the technology’s scalability across species and disease types.” Koru Biotech’s research aligns with international efforts to advance sustainable agriculture, precision medicine, and antibiotic stewardship. The company is actively exploring partnerships to accelerate development and commercialization of its diagnostic platform.