Find-SEQ: a novel cell sorting technology to enable investigation of rare cells in primary human tissues

The National Institute on Aging awarded Vivid Bioinnovations, PBC $1,626,390 on September 12, 2025, under the Aging Research program (CFDA 93.866) to develop and commercialize FIND-SEQ, a novel cell sorting technology that isolates rare cells or nuclei based on DNA or RNA markers with single-molecule sensitivity, without requiring known surface markers.

The award funds translation of FIND-SEQ from laboratory research to a first-generation commercial product and validation of the technology on a neurodegenerative disease use case. Rare cells such as pathogenic astrocytes are difficult to investigate due to the absence of known surface markers for isolation; FIND-SEQ addresses this barrier to in-depth cell profiling. This fast-track SBIR Phase II award supports Fluid Discovery's commercialization strategy for neurodegenerative disease research and broader single-cell genomics markets.

Work is performed in San Francisco, California. The period of performance runs through August 31, 2028.

Abstract

Rare cells, such as pathogenic astrocytes, play an important role in tissue physiology and pathology, including neurodegenerative and CNS disorders. However, the investigation of these cells is often hindered by the lack of known surface markers to isolate them, which is necessary for in-depth profiling. Find-SEQ, a novel cell sorting technology developed by DR. Adam abate, a founder of fluid discovery, which enables rare cells or nuclei to be isolated based on DNA or RNA markers with single molecule sensitivity, even in cases where no known surface markers are available. Fluid discovery, is focused on commercializing find-SEQ for neurodegenerative disease research and broader single-cell genomics markets. This fast-track sbir will support the translation of the technology from the lab to the company, its development into a first-generation commercial product, and its validation on an important neurodegenerative disease use-case. The successful completion of these aims is crucial for the commercialization of find-SEQ and for fluid discovery's ability to meet the growing demand for more effective and efficient rare cell sorting and sequencing technologies.