Virus detection research gets massive cash boost
May 21 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal
A SCIENCE firm's bid to develop new technology which would help protect the world from future flu pandemics has been boosted by £700,000 in government investment.
Newcastle-based Orla Protein Technologies has won backing from Whitehall for the ongoing development of wireless electronic technology to be used for the rapid detection of respiratory viruses, including flu.
With the country still on red alert over a possible swine flu outbreak, the Government is keen to prepare the nation to fight off the future spread of respiratory viruses - last week it signed a deal to secure 90 million doses of swine flu vaccine.
The investment in Orla, which is working with a number of partners on the project, will allow the company to liaise with experts from different fields during research and development.
Orla is working on the project in partnership with Newcastle University, The Health Protection Agency (HPA), Regional Technology Centre North, and Newcastle-based antibody manufacturer Viratom.
Dr Dale Athey, CEO, 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.”
Every year, flu epidemics are responsible for at least 500,000 deaths across the world, with the very young and the elderly being particularly at risk.
Dr Andrew Sails of the HPA in Newcastle said: "We have a strong interest in respiratory disease especially in paediatrics. We see this device playing an important role in the fight against these diseases."
The Government funding for Orla came via the Technology Strategy Board set up by the Government in 2007 and sponsored by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills. Last month Orla secured £140,000 in new funding to support its work with Japanese electronics giant Japan Radio Company.
Orla has been working with the company – which has offices across Europe, Asia and the Americas – to help develop the next generation of miniature devices which can diagnose infectious diseases.
It won new financial backing from NEL Capital, the venture capital division of North East firm NEL Fund Managers.
