Shares in genedrive PLC (AIM:GDR) rose 6% on Thursday after the company announced its MT-RNR1 ID Kit will begin a national rollout across Scotland’s neonatal units from September.
The rapid genetic test helps prevent antibiotic-induced deafness in newborns by identifying babies at risk before treatment.
The rollout starts at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, with other hospitals in the city to follow before extending nationwide over the next 18 months.
The initiative, supported by £800,000 in Scottish Government funding, is expected to test more than 3,000 babies in its first year.
Chief executive Dr Gino Miele said: “We are proud that NHS Scotland has sought to implement our interventional rapid genetic test nationally.”
The launch builds on the UK-wide PALOH programme and has been supported by the Accelerated National Innovation Adoption pathway.
Peel Hunt highlighted the importance of Genedrive’s MT-RNR1 test, the first rapid genetic screening tool that can be used at a baby’s bedside.
The assay identifies a variant, m.1555A>G, which can cause lifelong deafness if newborns are treated with gentamicin, a commonly used antibiotic for serious infections.
With results available in under an hour, clinicians can quickly switch to a safer alternative drug.
The broker described the test as a particularly important diagnostic innovation in the UK and internationally.
Citing research from Great Ormond Street Hospital, Peel noted the mutation occurs in about one in 500 babies, meaning widespread screening is necessary to prevent vulnerable infants from being exposed to gentamicin.
The firm said the technology addresses a clear clinical need and represents a meaningful advance in protecting babies from avoidable hearing loss.
The shares rose 0.05p to 0.85p.