The facility will support the clinical validation of diagnostic kits that provide results via a mobile app without the need for laboratory processing.
LotusDx, a medtech company developing at-home diagnostic tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), has established its research and development (R&D) laboratory at ONE BioHub on the Foresterhill Health Campus in Aberdeen, UK. The move advances the company’s efforts to develop at-home STI testing kits as it works toward clinical validation and commercialization.
The company chose the location to access laboratory facilities and support within the life sciences ecosystem, including links to the National Health Service (NHS) Grampian. This will enable LotusDx to explore clinical collaboration, patient engagement, and input from clinicians and researchers to support product development.
Current testing methods are often limited by accessibility, time to diagnosis, and stigma associated with in-person testing. LotusDx is developing diagnostic kits for common infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, that allow users to receive results through a dedicated app without sending samples to a laboratory or attending a clinic. The app also connects users with healthcare professionals, pharmacies, and support networks to ensure access to treatment and guidance.
“When I first visited ONE BioHub, I immediately felt it was the right place for LotusDx. The quality of the lab space, infrastructure and wider support environment made a strong impression, and I could clearly see its potential to support our long-term growth, including future manufacturing ambitions,” says Ali T, CEO and co-founder of LotusDx, in a release.
Located in North East Scotland, ONE BioHub provides founders with expert advice and tailored programs to scale medtech ventures. The hub also collaborates with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to provide entrepreneurial education to local founders.
“Ali and team are a perfect fit not only with our entrepreneurial ecosystem, but also with the region’s R&D strengths in infectious disease and diagnostic product development and commercialisation,” says Deborah O’Neil, chair of ONE Life Sciences and BioAberdeen Ltd, in a release.
Photo caption: Prototype image of the LotusDx at-home STI test in development
Photo credit: LotusDx
