Chlamydia Detection Device Gets Funding Injection

Main Category: Sexual Health / STDs
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics;  Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 18 Aug 2010 - 0:00 PDT


A Tyneside company has been awarded government funding to develop unique mobile devices which could dramatically improve the detection of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like Chlamydia.

OJ-Bio Ltd in was awarded £111,150 by the Technology Strategy Board, to develop handheld wireless diagnostic units and biochips for rapid on-the-spot detection of STDS using bodily fluids such as blood, urine and saliva.

Sexually transmitted diseases are a huge, and growing, burden to healthcare systems. The sensitivity of current rapid detection systems for Chlamydia is limited, and therefore confirmation of diagnosis still requires confirmation via laboratory testing. This takes time and costs money, costing the £100M per annum. 

The devices being developed by OJ-Bio are aimed at 'next-generation' of diagnostics which will enable simple rapid detection of protein markers of disease, viruses and bacteria (e.g. Chlamydia).

Dale Athey, Managing Director, OJ-Bio Ltd, said: "There is a clear need for improved methods for easy, rapid, cost effective detection and identification of infectious diseases. OJ-Bio is developing a range of wireless rapid wireless diagnostic biosensor products to meet this need. 

"The market for rapid detection of infectious agents is dominated by lateral flow assays, and assays based upon nucleic acid detection (primarily PCR).  These are 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 year-long project, which begins this month, aims to have working prototypes ready for market testing with commercial partners within the next 6-12 months.  

Dr Penny Wilson, who oversees the Technology Strategy Board's programme on the Detection and Identification of Infectious Agents, said: "Infectious agents are a constant threat to the health of the nation and we are delighted to support this innovative project, which could lead to the development of a new generation of diagnostic devices capable of detecting STIs and other infectious agents in a rapid cost - effective manner. These devices could be used, for example, in clinics and doctor's offices, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment and helping to prevent illness and the spread of disease."

This project builds upon initial developments carried out by Orla under the Technology Strategy Board project 'VIRASENS', which is already delivering prototype systems for respiratory virus detection.

Source:
OJ -Bio Ltd
Orla Protein Technologies Ltd
Technology Strategy Board

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