Making medtech
AVACTA SIGNS DIAGNOSTIC LICENSING DEAL WITH BIOKIT
Perkin Elmer acquires Oxford Immunotec
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vacta, the developer of cancer therapies and diagnostics based on its Affimer and pre|CISION platforms, has entered into a license agreement with Biokit to incorporate Affimer reagents into a Biokit in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) product. Biokit is recognised as a Centre of Excellence with consolidated experience worldwide in research, development and manufacturing of assays and biomaterial solutions for IVD use. The license agreement follows an extensive evaluation by Biokit of certain Affimer reagents to detect a key analyte. Under the terms of the agreement Biokit has the right to develop, manufacture and commercialise through original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners a diagnostic immunoassay for this analyte.
Avacta’s technology also enables us to innovate our assays with new reagents like Affimer reagents, an alternative to antibodies. We can now move onto the next stage of development 6
Avacta will receive royalties on future sales of any products brought to market following completion of product development and regulatory approvals. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed. Dr Alastair Smith, chief executive of Avacta Group said: “I am delighted to have established this partnership with Biokit, a world-renowned IVD company, which further validates the Affimer reagent platform for diagnostics. Avacta’s diagnostics business model combines development of a wholly owned pipeline of products, including the SARSCoV-2 rapid antigen test, with licensing of Affimer reagents to diagnostic development partners such as Biokit. Dr Marta Palicio, innovation director of Biokit added: “Biokit is very pleased to have reached this agreement with Avacta. The agreement will increase the competitiveness of our customised assay offering for our partners. Avacta’s technology also enables us to innovate our assays with new reagents like Affimer reagents, an alternative to antibodies. We can now move onto the next stage of development, incorporation of this technology into new products. We hope this is the first of many assays containing Affimer reagents which will be developed by Avacta.”
erkinElmer has completed its acquisition of Oxford Immunotec after previously announcing its intention in January this year. Prahlad Singh, PerkinElmer president and chief executive officer, said: “Oxford Immunotec’s global role in fighting tuberculosis, particularly its trademark product, the T-SPOT.TB test, and the operations it has built are remarkable. We recognise the distinct clinical and logistical advantages of
the test and see a great opportunity to leverage our automation capabilities and commercial channel access to bring tuberculosis testing to more customers around the world.” Headquartered in Abingdon, UK, Oxford Immunotec is recognised as a specialist in proprietary test kits for latent tuberculosis. Its Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) identifies individuals who are infected with tuberculosis.
Period care firm among world’s most innovative UK-based period-care B-Corp, Callaly has been named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2021. The list honours the businesses that have turned the challenges of the last year into impact-making processes. Callaly was ranked at number 10 in the MIC list’s Design category. Thang Vo-Ta, co-founder and CEO of Callaly, said: “I couldn’t be more proud on behalf of the whole Callaly team for this recognition. From day one at Callaly our mission has been to make the lives of people with periods better and we have consistently lived up to this promise through our innovations and commitments to quality, sustainability and campaigning.
“This year has seen us reach some incredible milestones, from securing FDA clearance and exporting across Europe, to seeing our tampliner, the first design upgrade to the tampon in 80 years, named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2020. “To be recognised in Fast Company’s list alongside such incredible company is testament to the hard work and dedication from everyone here at Callaly and all those who helped us on our journey to-date.”
