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Oxford University and Prenetics announce landmark collaboration to scale rapid testing tech globally

University of Oxford, UK

A new Prenetics Innovation Technology Centre will be established for advanced molecular diagnostics

29 Apr 2021
Diane Li
Assistant Editor

Industry news

The University of Oxford, Prenetics Limited, a global leader in diagnostics and genetic testing, and Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research (OSCAR) have signed collaboration agreements to further develop the award-winning OxLAMPTM technology, a rapid, molecular testing technology for infectious diseases.

Professor Zhanfeng Cui, Donald Pollock Professor of Chemical Engineering at Oxford University / Founding Director at OSCAR said:
“The initial collaboration with Prenetics has exceeded all expectations and their team led by Danny Yeung has been highly involved on a daily basis with our scientific developments. When we think about the future, especially with the pandemic, it’s very apparent that testing is here to stay with us for years to come. With this in mind, we are excited about the future roadmap in which we develop novel scientific discoveries to aid the world with fast and accurate molecular testing globally. Our goal is to decentralize laboratory testing with rapid, highly accurate, molecular testing, not just for COVID-19 but for all infectious diseases. I’m confident we can succeed in our mission with Prenetics.”

Following the successful acquisition and commercialization by Prenetics of Oxsed, an Oxford University spin-out company from October 2020, it was envisioned that a deeper scientific and long-term collaboration would be formed to advance molecular diagnostic testing for global unmet needs.

The first OxLAMPTM RaViD Direct SARS-CoV-2 product has been developed to help global communities world-wide with rapid, portable, accurate results for the detection of COVID-19. OxLAMP tests are capable of identifiying the presence of COVID-19 in just 20 minutes without the use of a traditional laboratories, with 96% sensitivity / 99.9% specificity and have been put into use at airports globally, including in London Heathrow. The OxLAMPTM test for SARS-CoV-2 has already received CE-IVD, MHRA approval and efforts are underway for a submission to FDA under the EUA protocols for SARS-CoV-2.

A new Prenetics Innovation Technology Centre (ITC) for Advanced Molecular Diagnostics has been established, which will be based in OSCAR, Oxford University’s first overseas centre for research in physical and engineering sciences, located in China’s Jiangsu Province. The Prenetics ITC will bring together leading researchers in bio-sensing, clinical virology, microbiology and medical devices in efforts to enrich technology development for molecular diagnostics. In parallel, a research program has been initiated in the University of Oxford in the UK.

Danny Yeung, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Prenetics, said:
“Our new collaboration with Oxford University and OSCAR is our commitment to continually invest in R&D and by establishing our own Innovation Technology Centre, we believe it will have profound breakthroughs in molecular diagnostics. We also expect more top researchers to be based in Suzhou and in Oxford over the next 3 years into our technology centre. The Oxford team of professors has been amazing and I’m truly excited with our molecular diagnostic pipeline and the opportunity to decentralize laboratory testing globally.”

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ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Cellular PathologyCellular Pathology deals with the microscopic analysis of tissue samples and cells. Sample preparation and processing includes fixation, staining, sectioning and slide mounting, using equipment such microtomes and cryostats. In choosing immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry kits, consider chromogens, staining method, antibodies, microscopes and imaging.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Clinical MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Companion DiagnosticsCompanion diagnostics are tests, often <i>in vitro</i>, that are used to determine whether a therapeutic product will be safe and effective for use on an individual. They also identify which patients will benefit most from them. Companion diagnostic tests are often developed in conjunction with the pharmaceutical industry.Molecular BiologyMolecular biology is the branch of biology that focuses on the molecular mechanisms that underlie cellular functions. It involves studying DNA, RNA, and proteins to understand gene expression, replication, and regulation. Molecular biology is fundamental to biotechnology, medicine, and genetic research. Explore molecular biology products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Drug TestingIt is essential to test the efficacy and toxicity of drugs at every stage of their development to ensure that a pharmaceutical product is fit for purpose and safe for use before reaching the stage of mass production and distribution.CollaborationMolecular DiagnosticsMolecular diagnostics use an individual’s genetic code and gene expression to diagnose and monitor diseases. The technique is used increasingly in the field of infectious diseases and oncology, as well as areas such as coagulation, HLA typing and pharmacogenomics. Molecular diagnostics plays a pivotal role in personalized medicine.Covid-19COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has led to a global health crisis with profound impacts on societies and economies. Research into diagnostics, vaccines, treatments, and understanding viral mechanisms continues to evolve. The pandemic has accelerated innovations in healthcare and biopharmaceuticals, including novel vaccine platforms and rapid testing technologies. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find top COVID-19 testing kits, research tools, vaccines, and treatments, compare products, read reviews, and receive direct pricing from manufacturers.

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Oxford University and Prenetics announce landmark collaboration to scale rapid testing tech globally