Bernd Eberhardt is set to join the team at Bacteromic sp. z o.o., a subsidiary of Scope Fluidics S.A. (listed as WSE: SCP), a Venture Studio biotechnology firm featured in the sWIG80 index. In 2022, Scope Fluidics was instrumental in facilitating the largest transaction in the Polish life science market’s history. Bacteromic sp. z o.o. is at the forefront of developing the BacterOMIC system, Scope Fluidics Group’s flagship project designed to combat antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
Piotr Garstecki, co-founder, major shareholder, and CEO of Scope Fluidics, commented:
– We are intensively developing BacterOMIC and innovating within Scope Discovery. Our focus is on balanced development to enhance Scope Group’s value both in the short and long term. To achieve this, we’re bolstering the management expertise of our flagship subsidiary. Bernd Eberhardt brings a wealth of experience in venture construction and management, particularly in medical device manufacturing in Asia and Europe. Bernd’s extensive experience is pivotal at this crucial stage of our flagship system’s development. His involvement significantly strengthens our team.
Bernd Eberhardt, CEO of Bacteromic, stated:
– For some time, I have admired the progress of Scope Fluidics and its various projects. BacterOMIC is entering a phase where scaling up production of both devices and cartridges is essential, all while adhering to the highest quality standards. I am happy to have the opportunity to contribute my experience in these areas to the company and also assist in M&A activities.
Scope Fluidics is actively working towards achieving the operational goals of BacterOMIC, as announced in May 2023. The company’s plans include: 1) Initiating tests of the BacterOMIC system under the Early Access Program; 2) Starting commercial production of the BacterOMIC system; 3) Expanding its product and patent portfolio.
The primary aim of Scope Fluidics is the maximization of the BacterOMIC technology’s value. As such, the base case scenario involves conducting a strategic transaction once Bacteromic sp. z o.o. begins generating revenue. At the same time, the company, while open to the possibility of a strategic transaction at an earlier stage of the technology’s development, continues to establish relationships with entities potentially interested in acquiring the BacterOMIC system.
Scope Fluidics actively participates in numerous international industry and investor events. In 2023, the BacterOMIC system has been or will be presented at various conferences, including ECCMID 2023 (April, Denmark), AACC2023 (July, United States), and Medica 2023 (November, Germany). In January 2024, the company is set to participate in one of the world’s largest investor conferences, organized by JP Morgan
Bernd Eberhardt brings over 20 years of experience in international manufacturing companies, specializing in production, operational processes, and automation. From 2011 to 2023, he worked for Germany’s Alfmeier SE Group, overseeing production and technological processes, and from 2013, holding managerial responsibilities in the group’s European and Asian operations.
Between 2019 and 2023, he led a 240-member team at Rodinger Kunststoff-Technik, a company specializing in the manufacture of components for the healthcare and automotive industries. Earlier, from 2016 to 2019, he managed Actuator Solution Taiwan, a provider of advanced materials for medical device applications, including those used in microfluidic technologies.
The BacterOMIC System addresses the escalating global medical threat posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. According to World Health Organization estimates, by 2050, the annual death toll from infections caused by drug-resistant microorganisms is expected to increase from 700,000 to 10 million, making it one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
The BacterOMIC technology aims to expedite and enhance the effectiveness of patient treatment by identifying the most accurately targeted therapies for individual patients. Within up to 16 hours, it can precisely assess the sensitivity of bacteria to all clinically significant antibiotics, providing physicians with extensive information about the specific pathogen. The test’s top-market informational capacity stands as a key competitive advantage among several others for the system.
Since 2021, BacterOMIC has held the European CE-IVD certification, authorizing its marketing within the European Union. Development of the system commenced in 2016, and in 2017, the dedicated company, Bacteromic sp. z o.o., was established. In 2019, the BacterOMIC project reached the semi-final in the prestigious American Association for Clinical Chemistry Disruptive Technology Award Competition.