Jonathan O’Halloran invented a rapid DNA sequencing technology in his garage six years ago enabling his company QuantuMDx to develop a prototype handheld device now on the brink of commercialization.
The low cost simple to use handheld laboratory device is able to diagnose disease at the patient’s side. The robust device reads and sequences DNA and converts it into binary code using a tiny computer chip that is ideally suited to offer molecular diagnostics at a fraction of the price of traditional testing.
QuantuMDx located at the International Centre for Life in Newcastle UK on February 12, 2014 will launch a crowdfunding campaign so that it will be possible to take this device from the lab to the field to enable health workers to use the rapid diagnostic and resistance test to eradicate malaria.
The funds will be used to further expand clinical trials of the handheld device to enable health workers to tackle drug resistance. QuantuMDx’s rugged and user-friendly handheld lab will offer this technology to developing nations which in turn, will give even the most rural communities worldwide access to life saving diagnostics.
According to Jonathan O’Halloran, CSO of the company, “We have spent years developing the technology and now we have a prototype device that has completed a sample-to-result malaria DNA test in under 15 minutes. We have health workers around the world crying out for the technology and we are now receiving the support of major NGOs. Additional funding will help to finalize our development and drive the technology through clinical trials.”
Once the device has passed regulatory approval, it will be available in developed countries for infectious disease testing and rapid cancer profiling and in time, be available over-the-counter at pharmacies.
The company co-founded by CEO Elaine Warburton, CSO Jonathan O’Halloran, and CFO Julian Warburton, has received numerous awards for innovation and a number of large grants from the UK’s Technology Strategy Board, the Biomedical Catalyst Fund, NHS, NIHR’s invention for Innovation Program, and The European Union.
For more information, go to www.quantumdx.com or contact Maggie Love, Business Development and Marketing Executive for the QuantuMDx Group Ltd at Mobile +44 (0) 7584 504 327, at the Office at +44 (0) 870 803 1234, Skype evolteragram,by twitter @QuantuMDx or email at Maggie.love@quantumdx.com.