Catalyst accelerates SWIFT Bio's path to ultra-rapid genomic diagnostics in critical care

At Stanford Medicine, Catalyst accelerates bold innovations with funding, incubation support, network connections, and more to drive real-world, global impact. Swift Bio joined Catalyst in May 2024 as one such venture.

Photo caption: SWIFT Bio’s leaders John Gorzynski, DVM, PhD, and Sneha Goenka, PhD, with Euan Ashley, MD, PhD at the Ashley Lab. 

Led by Chief Scientific Officer, John Gorzynski, DVM, PhD (Stanford ’21) and Chief Executive Officer, Alex Johnson, Swift Bio is an ultra-rapid whole-genome sequencing platform that delivers a complete genetic diagnosis in eight hours or less—about 95% faster than the current standard. In clinical testing, SWIFT Bio diagnosed a diverse group of critically ill patients and can achieve a higher diagnostic rate than existing gold-standard methods. The platform, which set a Guinness World Record for the fastest genome sequencing technology, aims to democratize precision medicine by making rapid genomic information accessible, affordable, and actionable for patients where every minute counts.

Through Catalyst, the team has worked toward scaling and reaching clinical and commercial milestones to bring Swift Bio to market. Catalyst provided funding and in-kind support, helped develop a business plan, and supported partnership strategy and negotiations. Catalyst also provided access to funding opportunities and venture networks and assisted with C-suite recruitment and executive onboarding.

“Stanford Medicine Catalyst helped prepare us to take the next step in commercializing our in-house developed technology, developing our strategy and refining our path toward clinical impact,” said John Gorzynski, on behalf of Swift Bio leadership team.

As a recent Catalyst graduate, Swift Bio now has a solid team, strategy, and network in place to move from laboratory proof-of-concept toward nationwide commercial deployment. Top of Form

The team is prioritizing the deployment of Swift Bio to pediatric ICUs to care for critically ill newborns and children, where rapid genetic insights can alter treatment, shorten hospital stays, and relieve family stress. The strategy then expands to adult critical care, oncology, and preventative newborn screening, expanding access to rapid genomic guidance for patients where it matters most.

Is your project the next Catalyst innovation? 

Catalyst is seeking health care innovations from all members of the Stanford community (faculty, university and health care staff, and students) that can significantly impact global health care. Catalyst will award select projects with validated science that hold the promise of becoming world-changing solutions and are ready to be implemented through piloting, advanced prototype development, or early-stage utilization.

Take the next steps by:

• Reviewing the Catalyst site for additional details and FAQs.

• Evaluating whether your project might be a good fit.

• Interested teams can apply through March 16 on the Catalyst website.