News details
Investment helps North East flu testing device
The company has been given £700,000 to help develop technology to be used in the detection of respiratory viruses such as Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV) and Influenza (Flu).
The wireless devices will allow doctors and paramedics to undertake near-patient testing resulting in earlier, more effective treatment.
Dr Dale Athey, Orla’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “This funding is a significant boost to our development and allows us to bring together experts in electronics, bioengineering and antibody technology. The resulting device will find application in an area of key unmet medical need. Rapid detection of respiratory viruses near the patient will make a huge difference in healthcare delivery.”
Orla has developed the technology in partnership with Newcastle University, The Health Protection Agency (HPA), RTC North, and Newcastle based antibody manufacturer Viratom Ltd.
Dr Andrew Sails, Head of R&D at the Health Protection Agency in Newcastle, said: "HPA has a strong interest in respiratory disease especially in paediatrics. We see this device playing an important role in the fight against these infectious diseases."
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17/Jun/2009