Two medical devices developed by University of Birmingham researchers to help the fight against antibiotic resistance will be exhibited in the Superbugs: The Fight For Our Lives exhibition.
Fight against antibiotic resistance
Two medical devices developed by University of Birmingham researchers to help the fight against antibiotic resistance will be exhibited in the Superbugs: The Fight For Our Lives exhibition, which opens at the Science Museum in London on November 9th.
Spinout Linear Diagnostics, whose device can perform a test for both bacteria and antibiotic resistance from the same sample, will be exhibiting alongside GFC Diagnostics, whose test detects antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria using a simple easy to use device called Safetube.
While the two technologies are very different, both are displayed because they have entered the competition for the Longitude Prize.
The Longitude Prize was inaugurated in 2014, and is a £10million prize fund that will reward a competitor that can develop a diagnostic test that will help save antibiotics for future generations. Entries for the prize have to meet an exacting set of criteria – the device has to be affordable, accurate, fast and easy-to-use at the point of care.
The two entries from Birmingham have been designed to help prevent the inappropriate use of antibiotics, which fuels antibiotic resistance.
The Linear Diagnostics’ device uses polarized light to measure the alignment of detector molecules. When these molecules are flowing in solution they are aligned, but when they attach to the target – which can be either bacteria, or antibiotic resistance genes from bacteria – they lose alignment and the measurement changes.
The device will be used for early diagnosis, and to check that the antibiotic prescribed is not one the bacteria are resistant to. Its first use is expected in the UK in 2018, when it will be trialled in hospitals and GP surgeries as a detector for anti-microbial resistant Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).
GFC’s device uses a proprietary DNA hybridisation technology called Microscreen to rapidly detect the genes in bacteria responsible for antibiotic resistance. The device was developed in the University of Birmingham and is used in the company’s other products which are on the market. The MicroScreen technology enables the detection of the antibiotic resistance genes to be made quickly and simply, it needs no laboratory equipment and the end result is a colour change which makes it ideal for use in a wide range of situations across the world. The product will be tested on clinical samples next month.
Dr James Wilkie, CEO of University of Birmingham Enterprise, commented: “The University has major research strengths in infectious diseases and anti-microbial resistance and a strong inventive pipeline in diagnostic technologies. We are delighted that the Science Museum has chosen two University of Birmingham technologies to exhibit in the forthcoming exhibition.”
For more information about University of Birmingham Enterprise:
Ruth Ashton on r.c.ashton@bham.ac.uk, or call 0121 414 9090 (out of hours number 07989 558041)
Notes for editors
About University of Birmingham Enterprise
University of Birmingham Enterprise supports academics who want to innovate, take their ideas to market, work with businesses and social enterprises, or enrich their professional lives by doing academic consultancy projects. We do this by providing enterprise training, funding, office and laboratory space, and a full technology transfer service.
About Linear Diagnostics
Linear Diagnostics was formed in 2011 to commercialise a patented technology developed at the University of Birmingham. The company was established as a joint venture between founders Professor Tim Dafforn and Dr Matt Hicks, Abingdon Health Ltd, and the University of Birmingham. For further company information contact Dr Matt Hicks, Chief Technology Officer at mhicks@lineardiagnostics.com.
About GFC Diagnostics
GFC Diagnostics was formed in 2007 to promote and develop SafeTube products. The initial invention and development was carried out in the University of Birmingham and funded by the UK's Department of Health. Since then the company has embarked on an R & D programme to develop rapid, easy to use tests for point of care situations. For further company information contact Dr Graham Cope, at graham@copecommunications.com.
About the Science Museum
As the home of human ingenuity, the Science Museum’s world-class collection forms an enduring record of scientific, technological and medical achievements from across the globe. Welcoming over 3 million visitors a year, the Museum aims to make sense of the science that shapes our lives, inspiring visitors with iconic objects, award-winning exhibitions and incredible stories of scientific achievement. More information can be found at sciencemuseum.org.uk.
For more information about the Superbugs exhibition contact: Will Stanley, Senior Communications Officer, Science Museum, at Will.Stanley@ScienceMuseum.ac.uk.
For more information about the Longitude Prize contact:
Claire Russell, Longitude Prize Media team, at claire.russell@nesta.org.uk.
