Bioscience experts in deal with US partner

Warrington-based diagnostics firm Arcis Biotechnology has today signed a technology access agreement with US group Teleflex Incorporated.

New York Stock Exchange-listed Teleflex will harness Arcis’ advanced nucleic acid sample preparation chemistry in the development of a novel technology, which it believes will be disruptive, and is intended to empower clinicians and drive better patient outcomes.

Arcis’ product portfolio offers the possibility of earlier, more accurate diagnostics testing from a variety of sample types, using its rapid, two-step nucleic acid extraction and preservation technology.

The speed, simplicity and low-resource requirements of the Arcis platform provides an ideal solution for point-of-care, microfluidics or field-based testing, and supports both companies’ drive to improve diagnostic testing and benefit patients and healthcare professionals.

Arcis chief executive Peter Whitehurst said: “We are delighted that Teleflex has chosen to leverage the speed and simplicity of our sample preparation technology in its product development programme.

“Obtaining genetic material from biological samples is a critical step in molecular biology processes, and we are excited to see our platform being applied across many different and growing markets.”

This news follows the announcement of a successful £1.25m investment round and additional £500,000 overfunding hosted by crowdfunding platform Capital Cell.

Following Arcis’ recent development successes in the isolation and preservation of microRNA (miRNA) and oncology biomarkers, Arcis is now looking to invest further in R&D, product development, and to drive international business expansion.

The additional £500,000 from the Capital Cell funding round will underpin the company’s projected revenue growth and associated working capital requirements in the next two years.