Linear Diagnostics Receives Funding for Rapid STI Test Development

Linear Diagnostics, a promising biotech spin-out hailing from Birmingham, has secured a £1 million funding boost to propel its groundbreaking diagnostic technology into the commercial realm. Developed amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company’s Exponential Amplification system is poised to make waves in the world of diagnostic technologies, signaling a new era of rapid, accurate testing for a host of bacterial and viral infections.

This generous funding injection, provided by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) via its Invention for Innovation programme, will underpin a three-year project with the ambitious end-goal of clinical sample testing and readiness for clinical trials. Linear Diagnostics won’t be going it alone, though. They will be partnering with the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) in Diagnostic and Technology Evaluation and the North East Innovation Lab, a part of Newcastle Hospitals, to bring this innovative technology to fruition.

The heart of Linear Diagnostics’ approach is its Exponential Amplification technology. This nimble system enables the swift detection of bacterial DNA through a rapid signal amplification process. The company has already showcased its prowess in identifying a range of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urinary tract infections, and viral infections, including the notorious SARS-CoV-2. And the time frame for these detections? A mere five minutes.

In the face of STIs like Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, which are increasingly demonstrating resistance to antibiotics, the need for rapid testing solutions is more pressing than ever. Current diagnostic tests often require far longer processing times, making same-day diagnosis and treatment a challenge. Linear Diagnostics’ technology could dramatically change this landscape, introducing new efficiencies in disease detection, management, and treatment.

Dr. Jean-Louis Duprey, Head of Research and Development at Linear Diagnostics, notes the unique difficulty in marrying speed and accuracy in diagnostic testing. Yet, it seems Linear Diagnostics is well on its way to achieving this diagnostic holy grail. The implications of this work are profound, with the potential to revolutionize public health initiatives and healthcare delivery.

As the market for diagnostic technologies continues its rapid expansion, the development of a quick, reliable STI test could address a vital unmet need. By providing accurate results in a fraction of the time of traditional methodologies, this technology could contribute significantly to improved patient outcomes, disease management, and overall efficiency in healthcare delivery.

This is one to watch in the rapidly evolving biotech sphere, a testament to the creativity and resilience of the sector in the face of unprecedented challenges. Linear Diagnostics’ Exponential Amplification technology is a shining example of the transformative potential of biotechnology, promising to impact both commercial sectors and public health landscapes alike.