Diagnostics partnership.jpg — Pictured, from left to right, are Dr Victoria McFarlane-Reid, director for commercial development and innovation at Newcastle Hospitals; Dr Ravi Chana, head of business development, and Dr Joy Allen, health economics manager, both Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland; Prof Nick Reynolds, professor of dermatology and director of diagnostics at Newcastle University; and Dr Michael Wright, medical director, Newcastle Hospitals

New partnership will ‘transform treatment’

Medical bosses have struck a partnership they say will cement the North East’s status as an innovation leader.

Newcastle University and The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is working with Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland.

Officials say the alliance will “bolster ties between the NHS, academia and industry” and prioritise treatments of cancer, rare, infectious and neurodegenerative diseases and women’s health.

They add most of the work will take place at Newcastle University’s £500 million Health Innovation Neighbourhood.

Dr Victoria McFarlane-Reid, director of commercial development and innovation at Newcastle Hospitals, said: “We are delighted to further strengthen our partnership with Newcastle University and Roche Diagnostics, to create more opportunities for delivering cutting-edge treatment and care, research, education and innovation.

“We see this partnership as key to transforming diagnostic techniques, including genomic medicine, delivering faster diagnosis and treatment, as well as developing truly personalised medicine, with treatment options determined by an individual’s DNA.”

Chris Hudson, director of access and innovation at Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, added: “We are very proud to be partnering with Newcastle University and The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to develop diagnostics solutions for patients across the country.

“This collaboration is a testament to the existing infrastructure and expertise in the North East life sciences sector, enabling us to work together to deliver new innovation in areas such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and women’s health.

“Through sharing perspectives and resources, partnerships like this are key to making a positive difference to patients – now and in the future.”

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