Partner Article

Nanotech helps North East firm reach Far East

Ground-breaking medical nanotechnologies are helping a North East scientific company achieve its Far East business ambitions.

Newcastle-based Orla Protein Technologies Ltd has signed a new agreement with one of Japan’s leading electronics companies to cooperate on the development of the next generation of miniature handheld diagnostic biosensors, which are used to diagnose infectious diseases.

Having worked closely with the Japan Radio Company (JRC) for some time developing the technology behind a new diagnostic device, Orla and JRC are now ready to design the device to specifically detect respiratory viral illnesses such as human and avian influenza.

Working prototypes of the new biosensor will be tested and refined over the next six months, and discussions are already ongoing with potential distributors over how the finished product can eventually be brought to market.

Orla chief executive Dale Athey said: “Breaking into the Japanese market has been a long-term ambition for the company, so signing this agreement for us is both a great achievement in itself and the first of what we hope will be many fruitful Far East collaborations.

“The technology could also easily be adapted and applied to many other areas of Life Sciences in addition to diagnostics, and there are many other exciting areas that we’re now looking at with potential partners that could bring further significant commercial success in the near future.

“For a small north east firm to be signing an agreement with a respected company like Japan Radio clearly shows how well regarded we have become in our field – we’re punching well above our weight.”

Malcolm Page, Deputy Chief Executive at One North East, said: “ Japan is well-known for its advancements in technology, so to secure an overseas contract with one of its leading electronics companies is certainly great news for Orla.

“Clearly, access to finance has never been more crucial for regional firms such as Orla looking to consolidate and grow, especially in the current economic climate.”

The company’s development has been backed by a series of investments from NEL Capital, the venture capital division of regional fund management firm NEL Fund Managers Ltd.

A new £140,000 investment is now being provided by NEL Capital to help Orla continue the commercialisation of the diagnostic device with partners Japan Radio.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .