The world’s first commercial point-of-care genetic test for emergency care, Genedrive’s MT-RNR1 ID, is due to be rolled out at two hospital sites in the North West NHS.
Due to be started next month, the implementation of this project is expected to follow NICE giving final approval for the test in the NHS later in March.
Molecular diagnostics company Genedrive (LON:GDR) has been developing and commercialising a point-of-need molecular diagnostic platform that is low cost, rapid, versatile, easy to use and robust.
It is needed for the diagnosis of infectious diseases and for the use in genotyping which is the patient stratification process, for detection of pathogen and other indications.
The AIM quoted group has assays on the market for the detection of MT-RNR1, HCV, certain military biological targets, a high throughput SARS-CoV-2 assay and a point of care test for Covid-19.
It is also currently developing a genetic test for CYP2C19 metaboliser status.
Important roll-out news
This roll-out news is important for Genedrive, whose MT-RNR1 ID Kit helps to avoid irreversible lifelong hearing loss in specific infants exposed to aminoglycosides by rapidly detecting the m.1555A>G gene variant that can cause deafness, allowing for alternative antibiotics to be prescribed.
The Manchester Academic Health Science Centre Women and Children Domain, part of Health Innovation Manchester are supporting and project managing the further roll-out across Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
The company continues to work alongside HInM on specific plans for the roll-out across an additional five neonatal sites in Greater Manchester.
Once fully subscribed at this regional level, the test would be available when needed to circa 30,000 newborns over the next NHS fiscal year, of which 10-12% are modelled to be admitted to a regional neonatal unit.
MAHSC is one of eight national centres designated by NHS England and the National Institute for Health and Care Research for demonstrating excellence in patient care and driving innovation into the health service.
CEO David Budd stated that:
"While we work with clinicians and implementers nationally on a Trust-by-Trust basis, near-term roll-outs such as this one in Greater Manchester will benefit from additional coordination and support.
We are grateful for the engagement from HInM and MFT, which will be an example for future regional roll-outs elsewhere in the country.
It's an important milestone for the Company as we work to ensure every newborn has access to the Genedrive MT-RNR1 ID test when needed."
In the market, the news has seen Genedrive’s shares rise 10% to 47p, at which level the group is capitalised at just £43m.