Fast diagnostics tests to be commercialised by Oxford spinout

Technology co-developed at the University of Oxford and Sao Paulo State University will be commercialised by spinout company Oxford Impedance Diagnostics (OID), offering the potential for the development of ultrasensitive fast diagnostic tests for a range of diseases.

The tests can quantify the presence of specific antibodies, proteins or other biomarkers in a whole blood sample or other biological or liquid samples with very high levels of sensitivity. The associated impedance or capacitance signals provide a method of measuring biomarkers that is not only low cost, but also offers a platform for a wide range of diagnostic and research applications.

“Using the OID proprietary technology, the development of a new panel of biomarkers takes only a few weeks,” revealed OID co-founder Professor Jason Davis, who also co-invented the technology. The researchers have data on a broad range of biomarkers for conditions including cardiovascular health, infectious diseases, breast cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

“OID will provide state-of-the-art biomarker tests,” continued Professor Davis. “We are working with a number of leading clinical teams to identify and test marker panels within patient samples.”

“We will develop diagnostics which are both cost-effective and easy to use,” added OID CEO Andy Anderson. “The diagnostics are based on a robust platform which offers extremely high sensitivity, speed and multiplexing. Tests will be developed that can be used either in clinical laboratories or at point of care, dependent upon clinical need.”

OID has raised £2 million in seed funding from investors including Oxford Technology Investment Fund, Oxford Sciences Innovation, Bio-Rad Laboratories and angel investors. Anderson said the company aims to develop assays for a range of conditions, with an initial focus on cardiovascular health and cancer.