BATM Advanced Communications Ltd (LON:BVC) announced that it developed a new method for the rapid and comprehensive diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB).
The testing and validation phase, which is expected to commence in the second half of this year, will be fully funded under a programme of the Stop TB Partnership, an international alliance comprising a wide range of governmental and non-governmental organisations.
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The provider of real-time technologies for networking solutions and medical laboratory systems said the new method combines a one-step PCR test, developed by its Adaltis subsidiary, with testing on the NATlab instrument using the new isothermal RCA process, developed by its Ador Diagnostics associate company.
The PCR test diagnoses if someone is infected with TB and, if they test positive, the NATlab system is used to identify the strain of TB and its resistance to antibiotics, including rifampicin, isoniazid and quinolones.
This process, which tests the same sample in both phases, is expected to produce results in approximately two hours, compared with several days for the current commonly used methods that often rely on incubation to determine antibiotic resistance after a patient has been diagnosed as infected with TB.
The group presented this new method, which is being developed with a major university in Italy, to the Stop TB Partnership at the end of 2019 and, following ongoing discussions, has now received the organisation's backing.
The testing and validation of the solution will take place at the University of Heidelberg and will be fully funded under a programme of the Stop TB Partnership.
Following the testing and validation phase, which is expected to begin in the second half of this year, BATM anticipates commencing sales of the new test next year.
“We believe that our new method, which utilises the advanced technologies of Adaltis and, in particular, the NATlab of Ador, will be particularly crucial in preventing the spread of drug-resistant TB strains. We also expect our solution to be more affordable and accessible than those used today,” said chief executive Zvi Marom in a release.
"The devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB have been with us for centuries and are still here today. It is vital that we develop innovative solutions and systems that will enable this disease, which is a leading cause of death but is both preventable and curable, to be eradicated. Thanks to the advances in molecular diagnostics, we are entering a new era in the fight against infectious diseases. I believe that BATM has an important role to play in this as we focus on developing new, innovative technologies while continuing to provide critical solutions to combat COVID-19."
Analysts at house broker Shore Capital said they were "very encouraged" by the update.
"Today’s announcement reinforces the intrinsic value in the associate company Ador Diagnostics and its NATlab platform and further demonstrates the group’s ability to effectively leverage the ongoing investment in its medical business to deliver meaningful and innovative medical solutions during this global infectious disease outbreak," they noted.
Shares rose 1% to 98.01p on Monday morning.
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