Genedrive PLC (LON:GDR) and Inspiration Healthcare Group PLC (LON:IHC) are collaborating to distribute Genedrive’s antibiotic-induced hearing loss (AIHL) test in the UK & Ireland.
The companies also expect to expand the scope of the contract over time to engage Inspiration Healthcare's network of more than 50 neonatal-focused sub-distributors around the world.
The Genedrive MT-RNR1 AIHL test is the world's first point-of-care genetic test designed for use in a neonatal intensive care setting. The test screens newborns for a genetic mutation called mt-RNR1 that can cause lifelong and irreversible deafness to a child upon administration of certain antibiotics.
“Our agreement with Inspiration Healthcare combines genedrive's innovative first-to-market AIHL product, with a thought-leading healthcare company with a specialist emphasis on neonatal care,” David Budd, Genedrive's chief executive officer said in a statement.
“Inspiration Healthcare has a strong track record in the introduction of new technologies and over many years they have developed an extensive network of key opinion leaders that will be very beneficial as we bring the Genedrive AIHL test to market together,” he added.
Neil Campbell, the CEO of Inspiration Healthcare, said the company was “delighted to be able to work with genedrive”.
“Our focus has always been products that can have a profound effect on the patient outcome and we look forward to working with genedrive to make this test the standard of care in the UK and the wider neonatal community around the world,” he added.