Every journey starts with a single step...
With a PhD in calorimetry, Dr. Dan Hallén, when working in the Drug Discovery industry focusing on biophysical characterization, saw the need for better predictive values in the translation between early target discovery processes and later in vivo testing. He concluded that microcalorimetry could be adapted for the biology research setting and started developing what later became the Symcel calScreener™.
Sweden, and Lund in particular, has a long history of calorimetry development within Academia. Dan Hallén and the founder of Thermometric, Dr. Jaak Suurkuusk, both received their Ph.D. from the group of Professor Ingemar Wadsö, one of the most acclaimed calorimetry experts in the world, all at the University of Lund, Sweden.
Focus for success
The development of the calScreener™ focused on calorimetric equipment with a smaller sample size and relatively high throughput by applying a batch-loading principle and a micro-titer plate format recognized within the lab space and suitable for pre-sterilized consumables.
The first working prototypes reached test users in 2008. Development reached a severe setback in 2011 when the founder passed away. However, technology development was taken over by CSO Magnus Jansson and the new CEO Christer Wallin.
CE label
The development of the calScreener™ to CE label status was in 2014, and the first commercial installation of a calScreener™ was performed in 2015 within the academic space. Symcel reached a new milestone in 2017 when it was granted 3.5 M EUR in Horizon 2020 EU project funding to evaluate rapid testing of multidrug-resistant bacteria in Sepsis. This multi-center research program launched calScreener™ as a viable and predictive tool within microbiological research.
A strong combination
In 2017, Jesper Ericsson joined as the new CEO and the biological applications field expanded. Symcel has since developed a potent combination of technology development and biological applications research.
Multiple applications have been developed within microbiology and cell biology, with vital programs in in vitro diagnostics and rapid sterility testing for cell and gene therapy products. These are now a key part of the Symcel offering or in the pipeline, taking calorimetry from a lesser-known technology within biological research to an industry-standard proposition.
Revolutionizing biological research
The calScreener™, designed to be the calorimetry instrument for biologists, is a testament to adaptability. By increasing throughput, minimizing sample size yet increasing sensitivity, and developing software and applications, it ensures that the technology is accessible and user-friendly to a wider audience.
The calScreener™ assay technology has the potential to revolutionize biological research. While calorimetry has been extensively used in other fields, its adaptation to biological research needs opens up a world of possibilities and future impact. This is our aim. To take biocalorimetry to market globally so that this amazing technology can continue to open doors that have remained closed to date, and so create new opportunities for the environment and healthcare.
