£2.56 million funding boost to revolutionise diagnostic technologies

A major collaboration has secured £2.56 million in funding to advance diagnostic technologies and enhance patient treatment outcomes.

Newcastle Hospitals, Newcastle University and the North East Innovation Lab (NEIL) are partnering with UK-based health technology companies Linear Diagnostics and Microplate Dx to develop innovative tools under the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) HealthTech Research Centre (HRC).

Linear Diagnostics has received over £1 million to refine a portable device that rapidly detects DNA, enabling quicker diagnosis of sexually transmitted and urinary tract infections.

Dr. Ashley Price, consultant in infectious diseases at Newcastle Hospitals and clinical lead in infection for the Newcastle-based NIHR HRC, said: “It’s really exciting to be working with companies to support the development of innovative technologies which could help to transform the diagnosis of common infections in the community and hospitals. 

“These technologies will make the process of diagnosis more efficient for clinicians and help to ensure that patients are given the right treatments at the right time.”  

Meanwhile, £1.5 million has been awarded to Microplate Dx to develop a product that identifies the most effective antibiotics for urinary tract infections, aiming to reduce antimicrobial resistance.

Dr. Jana Suklan, senior methodologist at the NIHR HRC, added: “The NIHR HRC in Diagnostic and Technology Evaluation is delighted to be collaborating with the innovation lab at Newcastle Hospitals to support Linear Diagnostics and Microplate Dx with their exciting technologies.

“Through reviewing literature and clinical guidelines and speaking to NHS staff we will pinpoint how these technologies can be developed and used so they can improve patient care.”

These projects will improve diagnostic speed and accuracy, with real-world testing led by the innovation lab ensuring their effectiveness compared to current standards

Dr. John Tyson, head of the North East Innovation Lab, part of Newcastle Hospitals, also added: “This is an exciting opportunity to continue our work with innovators to support the development and evaluation of their devices, which aim to improve the detection of illness and help to guide the most effective treatment for patients.”

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