Abstract

TB or not TB

Chris Adams, Senior Manager Team Lead Biotechnology, QuantumDx Ltd

With 8.6 million new cases diagnosed every year, and an estimated 3 million unreported cases in remote village locations, TB is still a leading cause of death worldwide. This, combined with increasing levels of drug resistance, means that the need for a portable device able to deliver accurate 15-20 minute turnaround DNA-based classification is ever more acute. Chris Adams, Head of Biosensor Development at QuantuMDx, will present the company’s development of a handheld sample-to-result device that will make personalised medicine affordable and accessible, even in resource scarce settings. The device delivers referral laboratory-standard results at the point of care. It is operated simply and with on-board power. The device performs DNA extraction, PCR and either multiplex label-free microarray detection using a silicon nanowire or optical based assays QuantuMDx has also developed a novel DNA sequencing technology for possible de novo or discovery application of the technology in the future. Excitingly the company has recently hit the significant milestone of full integration of the platform in an beta prototype. Clinical trials are expected to kick off later this year, with commercialisation expected in 2018.