Linear Diagnostics changes name to ExGen Dx
The new name reflects the key technology, invented by researchers at the University of Birmingham, that underpins the rapidity of the tests.
The modified Exponential Amplification Reaction (EXPAR) technology operates at room temperature and shortens the time-to-result to a fraction of that of traditional PCR
University of Birmingham spin-out Linear Diagnostics, which aims to diagnose infection from a single sample faster than any commercially available alternative, has announced a change in company name to ExGen Dx, to better reflect the underlying technology utilised in their R&D programmes.
Linear was founded in 2013 to commercialise a technology called Linear Dichroism, which works by detecting a shift in the plane of polarised light when a target is bound to a detector.
The company has combined Linear Dichroism with a modified Exponential Amplification Reaction (EXPAR) technology that operates at room temperature and shortens the time-to-result to a fraction of that of traditional PCR. EXPAR was developed and tested during the COVID pandemic, with results published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Both proprietary technologies were invented by researchers at the University of Birmingham, UK, and the company is incubated at the University’s bio-incubator, the BioHub Birmingham®.
The new name reflects the key technology that underpins the rapidity of our tests. We are now progressing the development of a 15-minute test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea and are seeking partnerships for the co-development of other tests.
The company has recently been awarded £1m funding to finalise the development of the rapid test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), in partnership with the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) in Diagnostic and Technology Evaluation and the North East Innovation Lab, part of Newcastle Hospitals.
Brendan Farrell will be at the 17th Annual Next Generation Dx Summit in Washington DC from August 18-20, to showcase the ultra-fast diagnostic technology.
The legal entity will remain Linear Diagnostics.
Notes for editors
Notes for editors
For media information contact Ruth Ashton, University of Birmingham Enterprise, email: r.c.ashton@bham.ac.uk
To book a meeting with Brendan Farrell, email brendan.farrell@exgendx.com.
About the University of Birmingham
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