Having a pet enhances well-being by providing emotional support, reducing stress, and encouraging physical activity. Pets foster social interaction, establish routine and structure, and offer mental stimulation. They are especially beneficial for older people and teach responsibility to children; they also offer significant comfort in therapeutic settings. Ultimately, they bring joy and happiness to their owners' lives, so caring for furry family members is of the utmost importance to the hundreds of millions of pet owners worldwide.
Unfortunately, the veterinary practices that pet owners rely on so heavily face some big challenges, including increased demand, workforce shortages, technological adoption, professional burnout, and even issues with antimicrobial resistance, to name a few. These challenges trickle down to pet owners, who are faced with long wait times and high costs, which leads to a lack of diagnostic testing. The good news is that QSM Diagnostics is addressing these challenges. With its Otter eQ Platform and FetchDx testing kits, it not only offers faster, more cost-effective, and more convenient testing but, most importantly, it guarantees accurate diagnostics.
Ed Goluch, QSM founder and CEO, has a doctorate in bioengineering, a master's in mechanical engineering, and a bachelor's in chemical engineering and was a tenured professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Northeastern University before starting QSM Diagnostics. Goluch began transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship as the potential applications for his research grew. "Ironically, being a professor demands many of the same skills as running a startup," Goluch explains. "We are pressured to secure funding, manage many people, and contribute to several short- and long-term strategic planning committees."
The success of QSM's early efforts, including promising results from research on detecting bacteria using quorum-sensing molecules, convinced Goluch of the potential impact of his technology. Believing the company could make a significant difference in veterinary diagnostics, he decided to leave Northeastern University and focus entirely on QSM Diagnostics.
"When we saw some of the results... I was pretty excited," Goluch recalls. The university's press release about their publication garnered interest from the medical community, prompting inquiries about potential applications. However, the gap between filing a patent and developing a product was significant. Companies interested in licensing the technology wanted to know who would dedicate the time and effort to bring it to market. "I requested a sabbatical. Then I incorporated the company, and we got our first government grant and investor funding," Goluch explains.
Goluch's advancements enable veterinarians to provide superior care and combat antimicrobial resistance with flexible in-clinic and mail-in testing options that ensure better access to care. QSM's technology also streamlines clinic workflows, engages pet owners, and simplifies the traditionally manual, time-consuming diagnostic process with automated, reliable results. Goluch adds, "We're building technology that helps doctors and veterinarians, in particular, initially, with their diagnosis and treatment plans for different bacterial infections and microbial infections. Having the correct detailed diagnosis helps them prescribe the right targeted antibiotics and to practice the best antimicrobial stewardship possible."
Visions for the Future
QSM Diagnostics is already making strides in the veterinary market with its patented technology. "We started in the veterinary space because there's a lot of interest, but it also works out on the business side because the FDA does not regulate the pet market. So as soon as we had a product and the data showing that it works, we were able to start making an impact and generating sales."
QSM's patented technology currently allows for an ear test for bacteria like Pseudomonas, a common cause of dog ear infections. They are preparing to launch a urinary tract infection test for cats and dogs. These tests are available in veterinary clinics and through mail-in kits, thereby providing convenience and efficiency for both pet owners and veterinarians.
Looking ahead, QSM Diagnostics aims to expand its market presence and explore opportunities in countries with growing pet ownership and stricter antibiotic stewardship guidelines. The company is already gaining international traction, with veterinarians using QSM instruments in Mexico, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand, and soon, Spain, Portugal, and South Korea will be adopting their technology. "Globally, pet ownership is changing and increasing. There are veterinarians in other countries outside the US that really see the potential and are using QSM instruments on a daily basis, and there are veterinarians working to get the testing into other countries around the world."
While QSM Diagnostics is currently focused on the animal health market, Goluch has aspirations to transfer the technology to human diagnostics through potential licensing agreements and partnerships. Goluch remains open to collaborations that could bring innovative solutions to the human health sector, further addressing the challenge of antibiotic resistance.
QSM Diagnostics is modernizing veterinary care with advanced diagnostic solutions that save pet owners time, money, worry, and frustration while ensuring accurate diagnoses for their beloved pets. QSM ensures happier and healthier pets and owners alike. As the company continues to innovate and expand its market presence, it is set to play a crucial role in the future of veterinary and potentially human healthcare.
Explore QSM Diagnostics today and witness the future of pet care unfold.
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