DeepVerge PLC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop and manufacture a range of lateral flow tests in partnership with Abingdon Health PLC (AIM:ABDX).
Modern Water, DeepVerge's water contamination arm, will devise a handheld test device to enable households to detect dangerous pathogens and chemicals in drinking and wastewater.
DeepVerge said the technology can be a key aid for authorities worldwide to identify the source of contamination in drinking and wastewater at a household level, with the information then being passed on to warn the rest of the community.
Results will be able to be digitally scanned using a mobile app with the potential to incorporate Abingdon's proprietary technology.
Human waste, flu viruses and crypto parasites are seen as future developments for the device, DeepVerge added.
In wellness, the two companies will broaden a current breathalyser test into a home life science portfolio including hormone and skin analysis, stress, levels of vitamin D and other health markers including diabetes, heart and liver function.
Abingdon will make the devices with DeepVerge to market them. A commercial agreement is expected to be signed by the end of April with DeepVerge to pay Abingdon single-digit percentage royalties on net sales.
Gerard Brandon, DeepVerge’s chief executive, said: "DeepVerge's business model is built on collaborating and cooperating with partners such as Abingdon Health that have technologies and large production.
“Surveillance and testing of waterways for the presence of bacteria and viruses has gained worldwide recognition and this collaboration is yet another example of the diagnostics industry working together to rapidly bring effective solutions in the increasing global health risks."