Partner Article

STD detection technology given green light

A TYNESIDE company expects to turnover £500,000 and double its workforce in the next 12 months after receiving a cash injection to manufacture its game-changing STD detection technology.

OJ-Bio Ltd, based in Newcastle, has been awarded £111,150 by the Technology Strategy Board to develop handheld wireless units that give on-the-spot detection of sexually transmitted diseases.

The company, which currently employs 9 people, is now looking to secure early licenses with prospective customers in the next 6 months and will aim to start manufacturing products at the beginning of 2011.

Dale Athey, managing director, at OJ-Bio Ltd, said: “There is a clear need for improved methods for easy, rapid, cost effective detection and identification of infectious diseases.

“Current technology is limited in their sensitivity, speed, robustness, availability in convenient format, and ability to connect to wireless networks.

“Our devices seek to overcome these shortcomings, offering faster decision making, faster intervention, and reduction in spread of infection.”

The new technology that is being developed by the organisation takes samples of blood, urine and saliva to assess protein markers of disease, viruses and bacteria such as Chlamydia.

The new year-long project, which begins this month, aims to have working prototypes ready for market testing with commercial partners within the next 6 to 12 months.

Dr Penny Wilson, who oversees the Technology Strategy Board’s programme on the Detection and Identification of Infectious Agents, added: “Infectious agents are a constant threat to the health of the nation. This project could lead to the development of a new generation of diagnostic devices capable of detecting STDS.

“These devices could be used in clinics and doctor’s offices, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment and helping to prevent illness and the spread of disease.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .