TOKYO, June 14, 2024 – CarbGeM Inc., a Japan-based startup focused on AI-based diagnostics, today announced that its research-only AI microbial estimation software “BiTTE^®-iE” has been launched in the United States, Switzerland, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia.

Background of Development: A Global Challenge of the “Drug Resistance Issue”

With the development of the first antimicrobial agents in the 20th century and their rapid spread throughout the world, drug-resistant bacteria have emerged, which have acquired resistance to antimicrobial agents and become less effective. Bacteria that are considered to be broadly or completely drug-resistant are known as “superbugs,” and are drawing attention as a global issue. In fact, it is estimated that in 2019, more than 1 million people worldwide died from drug-resistant bacteria, and by 2050, the annual number of deaths could be as high as 10 million.

In addition, treatment of “drug-resistant” bacteria is difficult because existing antimicrobial agents become ineffective, requiring a large number of drug prescriptions and alternative drugs. Moreover, the infection can be fatal if it occurs during surgery or when the immune system is weakened due to anticancer drug treatment. This is the “Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) problem.

In order to prevent outbreaks of drug-resistant bacteria, it is important to correctly diagnose the cause of infection and treat it with appropriate antimicrobial agents.

About AI Software for Microbial Estimation, “BiTTE-iE^®” (Research Use Only)

BiTTE^®-iE uses the gram-stained images recognition AI to quickly estimate microorganisms. BiTTE^®-iE is also linked to a local antibiogram, i.e. antimicrobial susceptibility testing data. BiTTE®-iE was developed in collaboration with several medical institutions in Japan.

-Japanese patent number #7090302
-Product webpage: https://carbgem.com/en/product-en/bitte-ie-en/

Android

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.carbgem.bitteie.en.prod&hl=en

iOS

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bitte-ie-en/id6495967266

About CarbGeM Inc.

Through the fusion of biology and digital technology, we aim to apply our proprietary AI analysis technology to the field of bacterial infectious diseases. We also aim to contribute to the global challenge of drug resistance through open innovation with leading research institutions in Japan and abroad.

Address: 1-5-13, Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

CEO: Masakazu Nakajima

Website: https://carbgem.com/en/