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Leeds-based IntelliAM AI has secured more than \u00a3200,000 of new customer orders as demand grows for its AI-powered predictive maintenance software across the manufacturing sector.<\/p>\nYork-based life sciences business Aptamer Group has begun developing a potential rapid diagnostic test for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus as health authorities tackle the largest recorded outbreak of the rare disease in Central Africa.<\/p>\n
The AIM-listed company is using its proprietary Optimer\u00ae technology to develop synthetic binders for a field-compatible test after outbreaks were declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Existing diagnostic methods struggle to detect the Bundibugyo strain because it differs significantly from the more common Zaire strain of Ebola, creating a critical gap in outbreak response.<\/p>\n
Chief executive Dr Arron Tolley said:\u00a0 “Those following the Ebola outbreak in Sub-Saharan Africa will note the growing severity of the situation on both a human and economic level. The head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Director-General Jean Kaseya, has warned that containing this outbreak could cost billions of dollars. A critical limiting factor in response is rapid, accurate diagnosis. Existing tests lack the sensitivity needed for timely detection in field settings.<\/p>\n
“During COVID, our platform demonstrated its ability to deliver diagnostic tools at pace to respond to infectious disease outbreaks. We are now applying that capability to develop Optimers for specific proteins of the Bundibugyo strain. With development underway in our labs, I look forward to updating shareholders as the programme progresses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Aptamer previously developed SARS-CoV-2 binders for use in lateral flow tests during the COVID-19 pandemic and has already begun laboratory work on the new programme. The global Ebola testing market was valued at $1.2bn in 2025 and is forecast to grow to $2.3bn by 2033, driven by increasing investment in outbreak preparedness.<\/p>\n
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Leeds-based IntelliAM AI has secured more than \u00a3200,000 of new customer orders as demand grows for its AI-powered predictive maintenance software across the manufacturing sector.<\/p>\n
The AIM-listed business said the purchase orders, secured during the first quarter of its financial year, include a mix of software and services, alongside deployment of its Layer 1 predictive maintenance platform. New customers include Chivas Brothers, Yeo Valley, Valeo Confectionery and a new division of Tarmac Cement, while existing relationships with Scottish Shellfish, Tennent’s and Edinburgh Airport have been renewed and migrated onto the IntelliAM platform.<\/p>\n
Chief executive Tom Clayton said: “We are pleased to announce a series of new customer wins and the successful conversion of former RBM customers onto IntelliAM with new purchase orders.<\/p>\n
“These initial purchase orders, secured from Q1 commercial activity, have a material aggregate value of more than \u00a3200,000 and combine services with deployment of the IntelliAM platform Layer 1 predictive maintenance module. Importantly, they provide a strong base from which to scale further software adoption across the year.”<\/p>\n
The company said the latest contracts demonstrate growing demand for AI-driven asset management technology across industries including food and drink, aviation, cement and manufacturing, with the potential for customers to expand their use of the platform over time.<\/p>\n
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Avacta chief executive Christina Coughlin<\/p><\/div>\n
Avacta Therapeutics has strengthened its board with the appointment of experienced pharmaceutical executive Dr Patrick Vink as non-executive deputy chairman and senior independent director.<\/p>\n
Dr Vink joins the AIM-listed biotech at a pivotal stage as it advances its proprietary pre|CISION\u00ae cancer platform and continues partnership discussions across its oncology pipeline. He brings more than three decades of international pharmaceutical experience, having previously served as chief operating officer of Cubist Pharmaceuticals before its acquisition by Merck, as well as holding senior roles at Sanofi, Biogen, Sandoz and Mylan. He also chairs several life sciences businesses and advises healthcare investors.<\/p>\n
Chief executive Christina Coughlin said: “We are delighted to welcome Patrick to the Board of Directors of Avacta. His appointment adds considerable sector experience in Pharma partnering, financing, and operations, having worked for a number of European and US companies, both private and listed. His extensive experience and expertise in building companies comes at a key time for Avacta as we advance our pipeline, based on our proprietary pre|CISION\u00ae platform which brings unique potential advantages to cancer patients, and continue constructive partnership discussions across our asset portfolio.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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