About Us

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The scientific idea behind the product of Loop Diagnostics emerged during Enrique Hernández’s (CEO) postdoctoral studies at Bellvitge Hospital in Barcelona, where he investigated the immune response in different diseases, including sepsis. During his research, Hernández recognized the importance of analyzing the state of the immune system to detect the presence of sepsis early and accurately.

Traditionally, sepsis detection relied on clinical signs and symptoms, often manifesting when the disease had already progressed significantly. Hernández realized that the immune system plays a crucial role in the body’s response to sepsis and that changes in gene expression and immunological profiles could provide crucial information for early detection of the disease.

Moreover, during his studies, Hernández delved into the concept of endotoxin tolerance in the innate immune system. He discovered that the innate immune system can become “tolerant” to endotoxins after prolonged or repeated exposure to them. This endotoxin tolerance can hinder early sepsis detection, as the immune system may not mount an adequate inflammatory response in the presence of endotoxins. 

Understanding the scientific basis of endotoxin tolerance, Hernández developed the technology of Loop Diagnostics to analyze and evaluate changes in gene expression and immunological profiles related to sepsis and endotoxin tolerance. This innovative approach enables the early and accurate detection of sepsis, even in situations where the immune system may be “tolerant” to endotoxins. 

By incorporating research on endotoxin tolerance into Loop Diagnostics’ approach, significant progress has been made in the field of early sepsis diagnosis. It provides physicians with a more precise and effective tool to identify the disease in its early stages and take timely action for appropriate treatment.

TEAM

Enrique Hernandez, PhD

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Born in Soria in 1989, he moved to Lleida to pursue a Biotechnology degree. His scientific interest was sparked during an internship in the United States. He participated in an Erasmus study program in Florence, specializing in the biomedical field. He completed his PhD at La Paz Hospital in Madrid, focusing on reprogramming the immune response in infectious diseases like sepsis. During this time, he published over 25 papers in less than 5 years, including notable works such as ERJ 2017 (first author), JCI 2016 (second author), and JID 2017 (last author). Recently, he completed the d•HEALTH Barcelona program, which provided an excellent opportunity to apply his biomedical knowledge to create real societal value through a business model. Currently, he serves as a post-doctoral entrepreneur in the Innate Immunity and Pathology of the Critical Patient group under Joan Sabater, while also managing Loop Diagnostics S.L., an innovative microbiological diagnostic startup, as its CEO.

Eduard Guerrero

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

I am a pharmacist and healthcare entrepreneur. I hold a degree in pharmacy from the University of Barcelona and University of Texas, where I grew interest in technology transfer. Since then I have pursued further education in healthcare entrepreneurship starting with d·HEALTH Barcelona, a program built on the Stanford Biodesign methodology; continuing with the participation in renowned healthcare business incubators, accelerators and programs both in Europe and the United States. In my current role as the co-founder and COO of Loop Diagnostics, and as co-owner of Farmàcia Fondarella, I effectively combine my pharmaceutical knowledge, business acumen, management skills with innovative thinking. My passion is to make a positive impact on healthcare systems through value-added projects and companies.

Joan Vieyra

Chief Technical Officer (CTO)

Biomedical Engineer who has grown specialized in innovation and entrepreneurship of medical devices. During his career he has gained experience in all insights of the development of a biomedical product: from the basic scientific research, going through the product design and development, up until the validation of a product against regulations and clinical validation. His willingness to jump out of the comfort zone has lead him to gain international experience and knowledge, as well as how to quickly adapt to new situations and solve problems. This, along with a sociable personality and willingness to work hard, has taken him to undertake challenging projects such as the foundation of a start-up company of medical devices and acting as an advisor for other medical device companies.

Judit Cubedo, PhD and MBA

Chief Strategy Officer (CStO)

PhD in Biology and MBA, with extensive expertise in clinical diagnostics. Author of 35 scientific publications and co-author of 4 patents. She was awarded with the Innovators Under 35-Spain MIT Technology Review award and co-founded GlyCardial Diagnostics. As CEO of the company, she led the development of the marker and the successful completion of a multicentric prospective clinical trial for its validation. In 2020 she was selected among the 21 finalists for the EU Prize for Women Innovators. She has a proven track-record in fundraising, both public and private, and supports early-stage innovation projects in healthcare with special focus in biomarker development.

Queralt Caus

R&D Manager

I am a Biotechnologist specialized in Clinical Research and Neuroscience. Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of leading and collaborating on numerous research projects spanning both academic institutions and health tech startups. This experience has provided me with invaluable skills in project planning, execution, and coordination, allowing me to effectively manage teams and resources to achieve successful outcomes. I am passionate about exploring innovative solutions at the intersection of biotechnology and healthcare, seeking out novel approaches and technologies to revolutionize disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Vanessa Román

Laboratory technician

I am a Medical Technologist specialized in Clinical Bioanalysis, Microbiology, Hematology and Blood Bank. I completed my studies at the University of Chile and have gained valuable experience working in diverse clinical and research laboratories. As a Clinical Laboratory Analyst, I have been responsible for sample management, analysis, immunohematology tests and quality control. I am excited to continue my personal and professional growth in the field of Medical Technology and contribute my knowledge and experience to this area.

Erika Plata, MD

Chief Medical Officer (CMO)

Critical Care and Internal Medicine physician, 7+ years of experience, member of the medical staff of the intensive care unit of The view Hospital in Affiliation with Cedars Sinai. Clinical Researcher, member of the Shock, Organ Dysfunction and Resuscitation group of Research (VHIR, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus). Active member of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel for the management of COVID-19 of the Coordinative Commission of the National Institutes of Health and Tertiary level Specialty Hospitals, Mexico City. Founder of the Rational Life Support in Sepsis (RALSS) Program (University of Barcelona).

Email

eduard@loopdx.com

Office

c. de Santander 45, Stage2
08020, Barcelona, Spain

Phone

+34 696 17 75 93

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Products manufactured by Loop Diagnostics are all under development, in the process of obtaining certification of CE marking according to In Vitro Diagnostic Regulations as in vitro diagnostic devices. All pictures of products, packaging and product names disclosed in this website are of prototypes for displaying purposes. The final products are, however, currently unavailable for commercialization, only for research and performance evaluation purposes.

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