SeedBlink Blog

George Papadakis is a MedTech entrepreneur with academic degrees in Biology, Biochemistry, and Biomedicine & Biosensing. His passion for genetics and technology led him to create medical technologies that can positively impact people's lives.

In this interview, he discusses the problem that BIOPIX-T is solving, the challenges they faced in developing PEBBLE, their status in intellectual property and regulation, and their plans to establish a commercial presence in the European and African markets. He believes that their team is the right team to build BIOPIX-T because of their outstanding track record as a developer and manufacturer of novel point of care diagnostic tests, and he invites investors to come on board and support their mission to enter the lucrative in vitro diagnostics market.

What problem is BIOPIX-T solving?

Even before the pandemic there was a distinct need for solutions that would facilitate point of care testing, but also to improve healthcare outcomes by providing better and faster results. Until recently though, point-of-care devices for performing the standard molecular testing were lagging by being either too expensive, too slow, or simply too cumbersome to be transported. Here BIOPIX-T comes into scene with PEBBLE, the portable, patented system that allows the molecular rapid detection of infectious diseases (such as COVID-19 and Influenza A) at the point of care or need.

What other solution are out there for this problem?

For infectious disease testing the rapid antigen tests are massively used due to low cost and because they are easy to use by non-experts. However, they suffer significantly from a lack of reliability. Too many false results. Of course, there are point-of-care molecular testing instruments which are highly reliable but also too expensive and bulky to be used by everyone and everywhere.

How did you create PEBBLE? And why this name?

During my 10 years of applied research for developing integrated systems for DNA diagnostics, I worked a lot with sensors, microfluidic chips, micro-pumps, valves and microdevices. At some point, I realized the need for an instrument like PEBBLE. Simple in operation but reliable, molecular but affordable. There was obviously a niche in the market, which is why in the mid of 2019, the BIOPIX -T team developed the first fully operational prototype device of what came to be later on named the “PEBBLE”.

When the industrial design of the prototype device was finalized, the team decided on this name because, as we all know, pebbles have a smooth, rounded appearance and come in various colors.

Intellectual property and regulation are two strategic pillars for any MedTech company. What is BIOPIX-T's status in these two areas?

BIOPIX-T owns all necessary patent rights to enable the research, development, and commercialization of all aspects of its products. The company is continuously focused on strengthening and expanding its patent portfolio. The main PCT patent is currently at the national phase in EU, USA and 14 more countries worldwide and has already been granted in South Africa.

BIOPIX-T is fully licensed and certified as a Designer and Manufacturer of medical devices (ISO13485) and its current products have received the pan-European free sales certificate (CE IVD). BIOPIX-T has developed and implemented a quality management system to consistently provide products that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

Where do you see your company in 3-5 years?

In 2022 we dominated the Greek market by selling more than 150 devices and 40.000 COVID-19 tests.

In the next 3-5 years we plan to establish our commercial presence in the European and African markets by serving thousands of the existing point-of-care spots.

To achieve this, we are in the process of setting up a network of collaborators, distributors, and manufacturers on the 2 continents. This network already includes Greece, Germany, France, UK, Swiss, Belgium, S. Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.

At the same time, we are working towards an increase in the number of our offered products. Apart from the PEBBLE device and the COVID-19 and Flu A kits we are planning to release a pocket-sized device for molecular self-testing and 10+ IVD tests targeting malaria, sexually transmitted diseases, pneumonia, and AIDS.

Do you see any challenges in getting there?

One thing that makes the healthcare market difficult is that it's extremely rigid. It's one of the most highly regulated sectors in the world. Because of this, it needs time and money for releasing new products. More than in any other sector. Patience, even from the side of the investors, is of key importance.

Why do you think your team is the right team to build BIOPIX-T?

BIOPIX-T has a truly outstanding track record as a developer and manufacturer of novel point of care diagnostic tests. Not only did BIOPIX-T develop and commercialize the PEBBLE device and COVID-19 test at speed (within only 12 months), but we also achieved extremely high-quality end products.

BIOPIX-T is today in a strong position to grow further because we have already scaled the company from start to 18 FTE in a responsible manner to ensure not only the growth of the technical and management teams, but also the appropriate support teams such as legal, HR, marketing, and business development. We have the “know-how”, and we have all the required expertise to succeed.

Why should investors come on board and support you?

Through an investment in BIOPIX-T, there is a unique opportunity to enter the lucrative in vitro diagnostics market. The pandemic had really accelerated the market and moved it 10 years forward. There is currently a change in perception compared to previous years. With advances in science and increased adoption of testing, the industry now sees the need and benefits of solutions like the ones BIOPIX-T is offering. The market is big with room for many players, the timing is right, and the momentum is with BIOPIX-T.

BIOPIX-T is currently raising on SeedBlink. Explore the round here.