Nutromics, a Melbourne-based startup specializing in DNA-based sensing, has announced the appointment of Professor Kevin W. Plaxco as its new Chief Scientific Officer. The appointment comes as the company prepares to launch its first product in 2027 and extends its wearable sensing platform to additional clinical targets. Professor Plaxco, who invented the core technology, will focus his strategic efforts on broadening the platform beyond its initial applications.
A Strategic Scientific Appointment
Professor Plaxco has a long-standing relationship with Nutromics that began when co-founders Peter Vranes and Hitesh Mehta licensed his sensing technology. He has since served as an advisor and led the company's Biosensor Advisory Board through several important milestones. These milestones include a world-first published clinical trial in Nature Biotechnology that demonstrated the technology in humans.
Expanding the Wearable Platform
As Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Plaxco will guide the extension of the wearable platform into drugs beyond vancomycin and into biomarkers such as creatinine and lactate. Nutromics expects his hands-on guidance to accelerate development and strengthen the scientific foundation of its product pipeline. The company views the appointment as central to executing its near-term commercial and technical roadmap.
A Pioneer in DNA-Based Sensing
Professor Plaxco is widely recognized as a leading figure in Electrochemical Aptamer-Based sensing, often referred to as DNA-based sensing. His research has produced nearly 300 papers and a dozen patents in molecular biophysics and biomolecule-based technologies. He has been elected to the National Academy of Inventors and named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the International Society for Electrochemistry, and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.
Leadership Perspective on EAB Sensing
Chief Executive Officer Peter Vranes noted that the field of DNA-based sensing exists largely because of Professor Plaxco's breakthrough research dating back to 1997. Vranes said that his work has helped move continuous molecular monitoring from science fiction into practical reality. He added that Professor Plaxco has contributed to nearly every major breakthrough in the field and will be instrumental in expanding the company's platform.
A Vision for Hospitals and Homes
Professor Plaxco stated that researchers hope to create work that impacts both their field and humanity, and he believes Electrochemical Aptamer-Based sensors fulfil both goals. He praised the Nutromics team for translating his academic research into technology that is ready for real-world use. His stated priority is to broaden the clinical applications of their joint technology with the long-term ambition of making it ubiquitous in hospitals and homes.
Academic Roles and Board Continuity
Alongside his role at Nutromics, Professor Plaxco has commenced a position as Distinguished Professor at La Trobe University in Melbourne while remaining on leave from UC Santa Barbara. He also serves on the scientific advisory boards of several companies. Professor Plaxco succeeds Scientia Professor Justin Gooding as Chief Scientific Officer, while Professor Gooding continues on the Biosensor Advisory Board.
The appointment of Professor Plaxco signals Nutromics' intent to deepen its scientific leadership as it moves toward commercialization. By pairing a proven sensing pioneer with an advancing wearable platform, the company aims to accelerate both its first product launch and future clinical applications. The strengthened leadership team positions Nutromics to pursue continuous molecular monitoring across a wider range of hospital and home settings.