Cancer-fighting treatment gets £500,000 boost

A North East health tech company has secured £500,000 to fund the design of a clinical trial for a promising non-antibiotic treatment aimed at eradicating cancer-causing Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.

Lant Medical, founded by Joanne Lant, has developed a formulation to treat antibiotic-resistant H. pylori infections, which could eventually be available over the counter as an indigestion remedy. 

Despite more than half the global population being affected by H. pylori, current treatment options are limited and often ineffective. 

Officials say the £500,000 investment, split between Innovate UK and two angel investors from the Northern Investor Hub, will be “a game-changer in advancing clinical trials”, helping support clinical trial design, manufacturing and field trials in India to validate the treatment’s efficacy.

Joanne said: “I’m excited by the possibility for this treatment to help a lot of people, benefiting their overall health and avoiding the misery of side effects from antibiotics. 

“It will also contribute to cost savings and efficiency for the NHS, saving multiple trips to GPs and reducing the number of costly antibiotics prescribed.  

“This funding marks a crucial step in our mission to develop a safer, more effective approach to treating H. Pylori and improving global health.”  

Charlotte Scott, senior investor relations manager at UMi, which helps power the Northern Investor Hub and supported Lant Medical's application to Innovate UK’s Future Economy Investor Partnership Programme, added: “Supporting Lant Medical has been incredibly rewarding. 

“Joanne’s dedication to developing an innovative, non-antibiotic treatment for H. pylori is truly inspiring, and this funding will be a game-changer in advancing clinical trials. 

“We’re excited to see the impact this treatment could have on global health.” 

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