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Abhay Andar, PhD joined Astek Diagnostics (“Astek”), a precision diagnostics company, as a Scientist, Microfluidics and Bioprocess Engineering. The Astek team has been working diligently to develop the Jiddu Analyzer to confirm bacterial infections and assess antibiotic sensitivity across multiple sample types: urine, CSF, effluent, and blood. It has prioritized going to market in 2025 with a urine-based test that identifies a UTI infection and detects antibiotic sensitivity in 1 hour. The team’s work to date has been recognized and supported by Y Combinator (S21), NSF, FDA, BARDA, NIH and numerous VC funds and angel investors.
Astek recently kicked off a pre-Series A round of $5M to support the alpha and beta prototype development of its Jiddu Analyzer device. Before its current round, Astek raised more than $4m in both dilutive and non-dilutive funding. As of February 2024, Astek has already raised $2.5m of its pre-Series A round and is looking to close out the round in Q2 2025.
The Astek team has recently announced a partnership with the MedStar Health Research Institute, the research division of MedStar Health. It includes an Accelerated Pilot Study focused on testing, validating and further improving the technology behind Astek’s Jiddu Analyzer as well as sponsorship of the company’s clinical trials. The Accelerated Pilot Study with MedStar Health focused on urine-based testing technology and resulted in an accuracy of 95%+.
The addition of Dr. Andar to Astek’s team will greatly accelerate the company’s work on its alpha prototype which is expected to be completed in May 2024. Astek’s alpha prototype will be deployed as part of an Early Access Program at more than 10 urology practices and hospitals across the United States and 2 in India. The delivery of the company’s alpha prototype represents a major milestone for Astek on its way to FDA approval which is expected in Q1 2025.
Astek’s technology dramatically improves the Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) standard of care and saves lives by quickly identifying the most effective antibiotic to treat the infection. Astek’s unique selling proposition is the unparalleled speed of its test (1 hour vs. results from urine cultures which take 2-3 days) and high accuracy levels (c.97% accuracy rate achieved as part of a 2023 pilot project with MedStar Health vs. 50% accuracy achieved by dipstick urinalysis results). This ensures that patients receive prompt and accurate treatment, thereby reducing patient complications and pain, as well as drastically lowering healthcare costs. This impact is especially meaningful in the FemHealth space, given that women get UTIs up to 30 times more often than men.
Dr. Andar previously served as Director, Ex Vivo for Champions Oncology, Inc. where he gained exceptional leadership and execution skills by spearheading operational strategies, leading R&D pipelines, and commercializing innovative products in the biopharmaceutical sector. Under his guidance, the team saw exponential growth and success in launching multiple new products in the oncology drug toxicity and efficacy domain.
At Astek, he provides scientific guidance and oversees quality systems to ensure rigorous standards in device testing processes. Those include feasibility analysis, failure mode and effects analysis (“FMEA”), batch record maintenance, quality control, and protocol validation.
About Abhay Andar
Dr. Andar’s career journey began as a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at the University of Maryland Baltimore where he focused on drug delivery systems, particularly in microfluidic systems engineering, lipid nanoparticles, and dissolvable polymer microneedle device engineering for various drug delivery applications. During this time, he exhibited strong research acumen, publishing several articles in reputable journals and earning recognition for his work in nanoparticle characterization and cell culture assays.
Subsequently, Dr. Andar served as a Research Faculty in the Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He was part of a DARPA-led effort to develop next-generation microfluidic devices for therapeutic protein manufacturing which resulted in patents and several high-impact publications.
Throughout his career, Dr. Andar has demonstrated a passion for innovation and a strong commitment to advancing science for the betterment of healthcare. His extensive publication record, patents, and involvement in regulatory affairs underscore his dedication to pushing the boundaries of research and development in the life sciences industry. His multidisciplinary background, combined with his proven track record of leadership and scientific excellence, positions him as a valuable addition to the Astek Diagnostics’ team.
About Astek Diagnostics
Astek Diagnostics is a precision diagnostics company based in Baltimore that is developing the Jiddu Analyzer to confirm bacterial infections and assess antibiotic sensitivity across multiple sample types: urine, CSF, effluent, and blood. Astek has prioritized going to market in 2025 with a urine-based test that identifies a UTI infection and detects antibiotic sensitivity in one hour. The company is part of the Y Combinator (S21) and has received support from Harvard University, NSF, FDA, BARDA, NIH and numerous VC funds and angel investors.
