Omega Diagnostics signs Aids and syphilis test kit deals

Omega Diagnostics, the Alva-based life sciences firm, has signed a deal with the Burnet Institute in Australia to develop testing kits for Aids and syphilis.

The firm said that the current tests for both diseases need to be carried out in expensive centralised laboratories, whereas the kits being developed could be used in the field, speeding up diagnosis.

Andrew Shepherd, founder and chief executive at Omega Diagnostics, said: “This is an important development for our infectious diseases business and we are delighted the Burnet Institute has chosen Omega to develop these important tests.”

Associate Professor David Anderson, deputy director of the Burnet Institute and leader of the team that developed the test, added: “According to the United Nations Aids programme, there are 15 million people who should be getting access to anti-retroviral therapy but aren’t, just because they can’t get access to an affordable test in their communities. This test will provide access for even the most remote and disadvantaged patients.”

Mike Mitchell, an analyst at house broker Seymour Pierce, said: “With some significant work still to be done in both areas, we are maintaining our forecasts unchanged, but Omega has targeted two potentially very-important point-of-care tests with the potential to improve treatment regimes.”