Written by Jiffry• September 7, 2026• 12:17 pm• Corporate • Views: 9

Hemas Surgicals Partners Credence Genomics Bring AI-Powered Genomic Infection Testing to Sri Lanka

Hemas Surgicals & Diagnostics is preparing to introduce AI-powered genomic testing for infectious diseases to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

The company has partnered with Singapore-based biotechnology firm Credence Genomics Holdings. Hemas will become the authorised distributor of Credence Genomics’ diagnostic products in the two markets. The products will reach healthcare providers only after receiving the required regulatory approvals.

The partnership targets a growing challenge for doctors dealing with complex infections and antibiotic resistance. Credence Genomics’ technology combines genomic sequencing with artificial intelligence to identify bacteria, fungi and viruses. It can also provide information about antimicrobial resistance to support treatment decisions.

What does the technology do?

In some infections, doctors may struggle to identify the exact organism causing illness. The problem becomes harder when several microorganisms appear in the same sample. Credence Genomics says its technology can help separate disease-causing organisms from harmless microbes and other organisms.

The company uses two proprietary systems called AIoS and MMR. AIoS, or Artificial Intelligence on Sequencing, supports pathogen detection from genomic sequencing data. MMR, or Machine Modelled Resistance, focuses on predicting antimicrobial resistance.

Its diagnostic portfolio covers several groups of infectious organisms. Bactfast is designed to detect more than 22,000 bacteria, while Fungifast covers more than 6,000 fungi. Virfast covers more than 9,000 DNA and RNA viruses, while dABST provides predictive information about antimicrobial susceptibility.

That wider coverage could matter when conventional tests do not quickly identify an infection. A single diagnostic approach that examines multiple pathogens could give clinicians more information earlier. The potential benefit is especially relevant in complex or mixed infections.

Why antimicrobial resistance matters?

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites stop responding to medicines. This can make infections harder to treat and may leave doctors with fewer effective treatment options. Early information about resistance can therefore help clinicians choose treatment more carefully.

Credence Genomics’ MMR system is designed to provide predictive resistance information alongside pathogen detection. The company says this can help clinicians assess which antibiotics may be more effective against an identified infection. The technology is intended to support treatment decisions rather than replace clinical judgement.

Dr. Vaz Gnanam, Director and CEO of Credence Genomics, said Hemas’ healthcare experience and established industry relationships made it a suitable partner. He said those strengths could help expand access to genomic diagnostics across Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

For Hemas, the partnership also adds a specialised genomic diagnostics portfolio to its healthcare business. Dr. Mahesha Ranasoma, Managing Director of Hemas Surgicals & Diagnostics, said the company expects to make the technologies accessible locally after obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.

What happens next?

The products are not yet available for general use through Hemas. The companies must first secure the required regulatory approvals before distribution can begin. Once approved, Hemas plans to supply the diagnostic portfolio to hospitals, laboratories and other healthcare providers.

The commercial partnership gives Credence Genomics a distribution network in two markets. It also gives Hemas access to specialised genomic testing products covering bacterial, fungal and viral infections. The companies expect the arrangement to expand access to these diagnostic technologies for healthcare providers.

For doctors and laboratories, the main potential benefit is access to more detailed information when dealing with difficult infections. For patients, any benefit will depend on whether the tests gain approval, reach healthcare institutions and prove useful in routine clinical practice.

The partnership therefore marks the start of a planned market introduction rather than an immediate change in patient care. The next important step will be regulatory approval, followed by distribution through healthcare providers. If those steps move ahead, genomic diagnostics could become another tool available to clinicians managing complex infections and antimicrobial resistance.