MeMed has announced the successful completion of its first pilot randomized controlled trial in the US, demonstrating the clinical utility of its MeMed BV test in reducing antibiotic overuse. The JUNO trial, conducted across 11 emergency departments (EDs) and Urgent Care Centers (UCs) in the US and Israel, showed a significant reduction in antibiotic prescriptions for adult patients with suspected lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs).
The study enrolled 260 adult patients with clinical suspicion of LRTI. Results indicated that in cases where antibiotics were potentially unwarranted, antibiotic prescription rates were 33% in the control group versus 13% in the MeMed BV group, representing a 62% relative reduction. Revisit rates to EDs or UCs were similar between both groups, despite the decrease in antibiotic prescriptions in the MeMed BV intervention group.
How MeMed BV Works
MeMed BV distinguishes between bacterial and viral infections by measuring the host's immune response, rather than directly detecting the pathogen. The test analyzes three host immune proteins: TNF-related apoptosis-induced ligand (TRAIL), interferon γ-induced protein-10 (IP-10), and C-reactive protein (CRP). By using machine learning and computational algorithms, the test determines whether the body is fighting a bacterial or viral infection.
"Rather than attempting to detect the [individual pathogens], we decided to use the best detection system available...your immune response or immune system," said Eran Eden, CEO of MeMed. "You might not always detect the pathogen, but the immune system is waging the war. So it’s always going to give you the results."
The test provides results in approximately 15 minutes using a 100-microliter blood sample. MeMed received the CE-IVD mark in June 2020 and FDA 510(k) clearance in September 2021.
Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Equity
Overprescription of antibiotics contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global health threat. MeMed's technology helps clinicians differentiate between bacterial and viral infections, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.
"If you could just remove all the cases where antibiotics are prescribed to a viral infection for which they’re ineffective, you would solve a big portion of the problem," Eden stated.
In addition to combating AMR, MeMed aims to improve healthcare equity by providing an accessible diagnostic solution. The point-of-need platform offers a simple benchtop solution that can be used in various healthcare settings, regardless of location or time of day.
Comparison with Existing Technologies
While other diagnostic approaches, such as metagenomics, can identify specific pathogens, MeMed BV offers advantages in diagnosing inaccessible infections, providing rapid results, and ensuring accessibility worldwide.
Eden sees different diagnostic tools as complementary, with MeMed BV being particularly useful in situations where rapid differentiation between bacterial and viral infections is crucial for appropriate treatment decisions.
