ProteinLogic has identified a panel of biomarker proteins that has the potential to form the basis of a simple diagnostic blood test to differentiate between patients with active and latent TB infections. The Technology Strategy Board funding, awarded through the Biomedical Catalyst programme, will enable ProteinLogic to carry out clinical feasibility studies to optimise the test, and to provide proof of confidence before committing to an R&D programme to develop the test. The funding will also support market research to identify the optimum route to market, and to develop a commercialisation plan.
Existing TB diagnostic technology is globally acknowledged to be sub-optimal. This project aims to develop a new methodology for the diagnosis of active TB, and for differentiation from the latent form. Accurate, early diagnosis and treatment of TB reduces the prevalence of infective cases and has dramatic potential for disease control. Existing TB diagnostic methodologies are dependent on the isolation of the microorganism from clinical samples; this new diagnostic test utilises the profiling of the unique immunological response to TB infection to confirm the diagnosis.
ProteinLogic’s Chairman Dr Paul Rodgers said: “We are delighted that the Technology Strategy Board is funding this project. Their funding will allow us to continue to optimise our novel TB test and to develop a commercialisation plan. We thank the Technology Strategy Board for its support.”
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Further information:
Dr Paul Rodgers, Ithaka Life Sciences Ltd, telephone: +44 (0)1223 703146
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