The UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund (UKI2S) is delighted to announce the collaboration of Perfectus Biomed Group and Atelerix, two of UKI2S’s portfolio companies.
In May 2020, Atelerix announced that it had secured a government backed, Innovate UK grant to extend the shelf life of COVID-19 test kits. A severe limitation of swab samples is their short shelf life of only 48-72 hours at 2-8°C. Expired samples can no longer be used for reliable diagnostic purposes and would lead to patients needing to be re-tested. This award recognised the potential for using Atelerix’s unique and innovative hydrogel technology within current swab kits to encapsulate the cellular material, protecting it from mechanical stress and stabilising it at room temperature, extending the viability of testing samples way beyond 72 hours (up to two weeks).
We can now announce that Perfectus Biomed’s UK division will be working with Atelerix to assist in determining the viral preservation efficacy of its hydrogel-based sample storage technology in relation to COVID-19 swab tests. Following Atelerix’s receipt of the grant, Perfectus Biomed’s team of experts were able to propose a phased series of methodologies using cell culture and molecular techniques to determine the product’s efficacy in viral preservation.
Andrew Muir, Investment Director, UKI2S, commented: “Both companies are carrying out cutting edge, innovative research that could make a tangible difference to how we fight the COVID-19 pandemic. I am delighted that UKI2S has been able to support this collaboration and look forward to seeing the result.”
The study is currently ongoing with reported results expected in the coming months.
For more information on how Perfectus Biomed Group can provide regulatory support testing of your COVID-19 technology, please contact our team today by completing our contact form or emailing info@perfectusbiomed.com
