Atlas Genetics wins SBRI grant from Innovate UK

Print 15 March 2016

New Multiplex test for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Bath, UK, 15th March, 2016. Atlas Genetics Ltd (“Atlas Genetics” or the “Company”), the ultra-rapid Point-Of-Care (POC) molecular diagnostics company, today announces that it has been awarded an SBRI grant from Innovate UK to assist in the development of an ultra-rapid POC multiplex STI test measuring the four most commonly occurring pathogens (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma genitalium) in less than 30 minutes.

Atlas Genetics will develop an ultra-rapid POC stratified medicine diagnostic for patients presenting to Sexual Health Clinics with urethritis, which will allow immediate and accurate selection of appropriate and effective antibiotic treatment. Atlas will be collaborating with the Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit at St George’s, University of London and Aquarius Population Health. Key elements of this project include cost-effectiveness modelling of introducing this multi-pathogen test, as well as a study on its potential patient impact. The £150,000 grant will be shared between the three organisations.

John Clarkson, CEO of Atlas Genetics, said: “With our Chlamydia test now approved in Europe and our combined Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea test planned for clinical trials later this year, the next step for Atlas is to develop a multiplex test which covers the majority of pathogens for patients entering sexual health clinics. We are very excited to be working with St Georges and Aquarius Population Health on this important project.”

Dr Tariq Sadiq, Chief Investigator at St George’s, University of London, commented: “This is a very exciting development in the STI world. The diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections has become very challenging for doctors and this new test will allow for patients to have their precise infection identified to enable treatment with the correct antibiotics, immediately after they see a doctor.”

Dr Elisabeth Adams, Managing Director of Aquarius Population Health, added: “We are thrilled to collaborate on this project and develop evidence to demonstrate the likely costs, benefits and cost-effectiveness of an innovative STI test. Results have the potential to positively impact patient care, increase efficiency within the NHS, and improve antimicrobial stewardship.”

NOTES TO EDITORS 

Atlas Genetics Ltd
Atlas Genetics develops ultra-rapid point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tests for infectious diseases. The Atlas Genetics io® System uses patented technology based on the use of a novel electrochemical sensor that combines speed, accuracy and multiplex detection capability. The Company has its head office and R&D facilities near Bath in the UK, with a commercial office in Boston, USA.
For further information visit www.atlasgenetics.com

St George’s, University of London
St George’s, University of London, is the UK’s only university dedicated to medical and health sciences education, training and research. As well as training the healthcare professionals of the future, our research focuses on the prevention and treatment of disease in the fields of population health, heart disease and infection, three of the greatest challenges to global health in the 21st Century.
For further information visit www.sgul.ac.uk

Aquarius Population Health
Aquarius Population Health delivers health research and consultancy for clients and collaborators in the commercial, academic, charity, and government sectors. Our speciality is developing creative ways to explore and solve healthcare problems. We can generate the insight and evidence to support informed decisions that can impact on policy and commercialisation and improve patient care in an efficient way.
For further information visit www.aquariusph.com

Innovate UK
Innovate UK is the new name for the Technology Strategy Board – the UK’s innovation agency. Taking a new idea to market is a challenge. Innovate UK funds, supports and connects innovative businesses through a unique mix of people and programmes to accelerate sustainable economic growth.
For further information visit www.innovateuk.org

SBRI
The SBRI programme uses the power of government procurement to drive innovation. It provides opportunities for innovative companies to engage with the public sector and gain contracts to solve specific problems. Competitions for new technologies and ideas are run on specific topics and aim to engage a broad range of organisations. SBRI enables the public sector to engage with industry during the early stages of development, supporting projects through the stages of feasibility and prototyping.
For further information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sbri-the-small-business-research-initiative

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