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Biosignatures take up lab space at the North East BIC

Blood test development firm Biosignatures has taken up residency at the North East Business Improvement Centre (BIC), based in Sunderland.

The firm, which produces tests intended to save cancer patients from undergoing unnecessary biopsies, takes laboratory space at the site after their search found no other comparable laboratory space suitable for their growth.

This move was funded in part by the Health Network North (HNN), a project delivered by RTC North Ltd, which is part financed by the North East European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

From the lab in Sunderland the company will carry out research on diagnostics for prostate, kidney and bladder cancer using its innovative statistical software to analyse the likelihood of a patient having a particular condition.

Will Dracup, CEO of the company, said: “In Biosignatures, we have a capability that we believe is a game changer for diagnostics. It’s not just about developing the test we have for prostate cancer - what is really exciting is the potential the company has to discover tests for many other conditions.

“Such tests would bring many benefits not least by ensuring that invasive diagnostic procedures are only carried out when patients stand to gain the most benefit from them.”

Rachel Craven, lab manager, added: “The lab space here at the BIC is very good, we looked around at various options and this was by far the best, giving us the exact size and lab facilities we needed as well as an office.

“The support we have received has also been fantastic and the location is not too far from our office in Newcastle so we work the two locations smoothly.”

David Howell, director of operations at the BIC, said: “The BIC houses a diverse group of tenants on our 14 acre site and it’s fantastic to welcome such an innovative biotech company to the mix. I look forward to seeing the company continue to grow here in Sunderland.”

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