Welcome to Tetricus

04.03.2008

Enigma Diagnostics, one of the key life science companies in the Tetricus Science Park at Porton Down has recently announced that it has signed real-time PCR licences with Applera Corporation, the US diagnostics company comprising Applied Biosystems and Celera Genomics. Enigma Diagnostics is developing rapid molecular diagnostics systems and the licenses, signed 6 February 2008, include a Real-Time Instrument Patent License Agreement and an Application Kit License Agreement. These agreements provide Enigma with access under patents owned or controlled by Applera for real-time PCR thermal cyclers and real-time PCR methods and compositions in specific fields.
The Real-Time Instrument Patent License Agreement covers Enigma’s current and pipeline instrument platforms of fully automated, real-time thermal cyclers across the commercial market sectors of research and applied markets. This agreement also provides Enigma with an option for a license in clinical diagnostics.

The Application Kit License Agreement covers a portfolio of important patents covering reverse transcription-based methods, real-time PCR detection process and 5’ Nuclease assays and compositions, for use in fields excluding human diagnostics.

John McKinley, Chairman of Enigma Diagnostics, said: “These licenses together with Enigma’s extensive portfolio of molecular diagnostic patents and unique instrument platforms confirm Enigma’s leading position within the global molecular diagnostics market and underpin the launch of its instruments in 2008.”

16.01.2008

Science Park Seminars.
We had an excellent turn-out to our December Seminar entitled “ Prion Decontamination - New Challenges and Solutions” given by Dr Mark Sutton, Head of the TSE Research Team at HPA CEPR, Porton Down. In fact it was standing room only for late arrivals. The next in our programme of Seminars will be from 12:30 to 13:30 on Friday 29th February, again in the Dstl Conservation Museum, when Dr John Lincoln of Harlin Ltd (http://www.harlinltd.co.uk) will give a business incubation seminar entitled “Maximising the Value of IP and Finding the Right Market Partner”.
All are welcome, especially those from the Porton Down Science Park, Dstl, HPA, NHS and local bioscience companies. If you are interested in attending please let us know several days beforehand (info @ tetricus.co.uk or 01980 556514) so we can plan refreshments and seating requirements.

13.11.2007

Tetricus tenant, Enigma Diagnostics, To Develop clinical diagnostics platform for UK national chlamydia screening programme.

New DNA-based test produces decisive result within minutes

Enigma Diagnostics, the life sciences company based in the Tetricus bioincubator on the Porton Down Science Park where it is developing rapid molecular diagnostics and detection systems, announces that it has successfully completed a project commissioned by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dtsl). The aim of this was to develop a rapid, point-of-care diagnostic system for screening and diagnosis of Chlamydia infections, the most common treatable sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK. The project was designed to meet the needs of the UK National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP), part of the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV.

Enigma has developed a specific DNA test (assay), reagents and instrumentation capable of rapidly detecting Chlamydia trachomatis DNA from multiple urine and, uniquely, swab samples at the point of care (PoC), i.e. in a clinic or outreach centre. Feasibility of the assay has been proven in the laboratory and the product specifications have been validated with sexual health professionals.

The new system will be based on Enigma’s fully-automated diagnostics platform, which uses real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to detect bacterial target DNA in samples and provides definitive results in a matter of minutes, enabling immediate treatment as necessary. The system will also be very simple to use, requiring minimal training and experience, and importantly will provide ‘gold standard’ laboratory quality results thereby reducing the need for samples to be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Other point of care diagnostics products for Chlamydia are known to give unreliable results.

07.10.2007

Enigma Diagnostics, the life sciences company developing rapid molecular diagnostics and detection systems, has announced a €3 million award from the European Commission Framework 7 programme to the RANGER consortium. The award will fund the development and validation of a fully automated, low cost system for the rapid diagnosis of influenza infections and subtypes. The RANGER consortium, which is coordinated by Enigma Diagnostics, comprises leading technology companies including Applied Biosystems, Sagentia, Tico Europe, Bruhn Newtech Group, Bioplastics BV and PERA who will contribute to the development of the instrument and assays. The consortium also includes the Health Protection Agency, the UK’s national reference laboratory for influenza diagnostics, and the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health who will evaluate and validate the system.

The system will be based on Enigma’s proprietary and fully-automated instrumentation technology, which integrates sample preparation with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect viral RNA in a full range of clinical samples. The simple-to-use, portable system will provide rapid results direct to medical staff in a near-patient or outreach environment in both the developed and developing world.

By providing laboratory standard, high specificity and sensitivity PCR results in a decentralised setting, the system will advance the diagnosis of early stage viral infections and the surveillance of disease outbreaks.

Enigma is also separately developing real-time PCR-based diagnostics systems targeting chlamydia, gonorrhoea and other sexually transmitted infections.

John McKinley, Chairman of Enigma Diagnostics, said: “The award of this grant and the strength of our consortium partners is a great endorsement of Enigma’s technology. It is also a strategically important milestone for the company as it demonstrates the utility of our real time PCR in what is an extremely challenging area of diagnosis. We are confident we will be able to deliver a system that rapidly and simply delivers laboratory quality results at the point of care

24.09.2007

Tetricus runs a series of scientific seminars to bring together scientist from Dstl, HPA, NHS Trusts and companies both from the Science Park and the local area.

The most recent, entitled “Isolation and Identification of Emerging Campylobacteraceae" was presented by Dr Lucy Rieman from Alaska Food Diagnostics on 11th September 2007.

The next seminar is scheduled for November.

02.07.2007

Enigma Diagnostics Appoints Dr Lynn Busteed as CEO

Enigma Diagnostics, the life sciences company developing rapid molecular diagnostics systems, has appointed Dr Lynn Busteed as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors. Dr Busteed has more than 15 years experience in the life science sector.

For more information on Dr Busteed's Appointment, please see the attached release.
Lynn Busteed.pdf

Media Enquiries:

Michelle Rooney
Marketing Manager
E-Mail

Porton Capital Ltd
5709, 57/F The Center
99 Queen's Road Central
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2119 8718
Fax: +852 2119 9009
E-Mail
www.portoncapital.com

FASTEST SALMONELLA TEST FOR RAPID PATHOGEN DETECTION

Alaska Food Diagnostics has launched fastrAK™ Salmonella, a groundbreaking ultra-rapid testing system for food manufacturers that provides results in 18 hours from sample receipt. The availability of results 6 hours earlier than with comparable methods effectively creates a working day advantage that can lead to cost savings on product storage and supply chain logistics.

Based at the UK government’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at Porton Down, Alaska’s team of world class scientists has exploited patented Adenylate Kinase (AK) Phage™ technology to develop the highly sensitive and specific fastrAK™ rapid assay system. The system shares the proven core technology of the clinical microbial detection platform just acquired by a high profile blue chip multinational.

fastrAK™ Salmonella combines novel technology with established culture and immunomagnetic methods, and has been thoroughly tested and validated by leading reference centres. Head of Microbiology R&D Dr Pradip Patel explained: "The time to result for this assay is a real breakthrough, together with its accuracy. We are confident it will make a significant impact in the drive for improved food safety standards”.

Sample pre-enrichment for 16 hours can be initiated throughout the day, ready for testing the next morning. After just two hours, products with known QC results can be shipped in time to meet the rigorous shelf life requirements of the processed, ready-to-eat poultry market. This rapid technique assists food manufacturers with in-process HACCP decisions and allows them to offer greater security and quality assurance to the ‘farm to fork’ supply chain.

Contact Alaska:
+ 44 (0)1980 590030

06.03.2007

Porton Capital's sale of Acolyte to 3M

STL's parent company, Porton Capital Ltd, has sold Acolyte Biomedica to 3M. With operations in more than 60 countries, 3M is one of 30 companies in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and also is a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

Porton Capital first invested in Acolyte in Feb 2004 a technology spin out from Defence Science & Technology Laboratories/Ploughshare Innovations Ltd and during the following three years, we spent considerable time and energy, and provided much of the necessary investment, to lead the company into a focused product driven strategy.

This required the building of a management team to deliver leading commercial products and shareholder alignment. Porton Capital played a fundamental role in concentrating the shareholder base which resulted in us holding approximately 50% of the Company at the time of exit.

In addition we were instrumental in appointing AGI Corporate Finance, Acolyte's advisor and the executive team, led by Chairman John McKinley, that successfully negotiated and managed the exit process. Under the terms of the acquisition, 3M will pay an initial up front consideration with a further earn-out sum based on the sales of Acolyte products in the third year.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Porton Capital

Porton Capital is a financial management company specialising in offshore mutual funds to provide development capital for technology commercialisation ventures. Porton Capital is a unique investor in that it takes a proactive role in shaping the future growth and strategy of all its portfolio companies. This includes recruiting experienced executives and advisers, as well as shaping the business and commercial strategy of the company through corporate introductions, product focus and rapid globalisation of the business. Porton Capital is a core value driver in its portfolio and this is demonstrated through successful collaborations and putting in place the successful building blocks that can result in early exits.

Porton works in close partnership with some of UK's key government research and development facilities such as Dstl / Ploughshare Innovations and Rutherford Appleton Laboratories, along with research institutions such as Cambridge University and has been instrumental in raising capital for revolutionary emerging technologies with worldwide market potential.

About Synergis Technologies Ltd

Synergis Technologies Ltd. has been established as a vehicle to bridge the gap in seed and early stage technology investment. The UK government invests substantial amounts in developing innovative research and development emerging from universities and leading Public Sector Research Establishments (PSRE's).

However, for most newly emerging technologies, the process of intellectual property (IP) commercialisation is challenging. Many aspects of the process are difficult and new, from setting strategy to obtaining secure funding. Synergis helps bridge this gap. By offering a plethora of services aimed exclusively at helping seed and early stage technology, Synergis is a one-stop shop for technology commercialisation, guiding and assisting through the rigorous stages of technology transfer and ensuring successful investment.

With its head offices in London, Synergis offers early stage and follow on funding for start-ups. With a dedicated team made up of former scientists, investment professionals, commercialisation directors and entrepreneurs, Synergis is able to understand the challenges and hurdles faced by start-ups. Acting initially as an advisor to Porton's Synergis Seed Fund (SSF), Synergis is also in the process of making investments on its own balance sheet.

Harvey Boulter
CEO, Porton Capital Limited
www.portoncapital.com

Shimi Shah
CEO, Synergis Technologies Ltd
+44 (0) 207 802 5511
E-Mail Link
Website
Link to PDF file

24.01.2007

DRUG COMPANY DEVELOPS NEW TREATMENT THAT COULD PROTECT MILLIONS FROM KILLER DISEASE

Morvus Technology, the fast-growing drug discovery company in Wiltshire has discovered and patented a new treatment for a potentially fatal tropical disease that affects millions of people worldwide.

Morvus Technology, which is based at the Tetricus bio-incubation unit at Porton Down, specialises in developing commercially attractive drug therapies and finding new applications for existing treatments.

Company researchers have discovered that the anti-cancer drug Tretazicar can kill dangerous micro-organisms including Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease spread through bites from sandflies.

The disease affects about 12 million people globally, most of them in the developing world, and has become a growing problem for British and other troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The most dangerous form of the disease is visceral leishmaniasis - also known as black fever - which attacks the body’s immune system and is nearly always fatal if left untreated.

“The drugs currently available to treat the disease are quite toxic and have unpleasant side effects,” said Dr Roger Melton, development director at Morvus Technology. “The organism can also develop resistance to them quite quickly.

“But we have discovered that the Tretazicar anti-cancer drug can be very effective in treating the disease. It is expected that only small doses will be needed and there should be no adverse side effects.”

It is expected that clinical trials of the drug will begin next year and Morvus, which is opening additional premises in South West Wales, is looking for a commercial partner to market the drug in the developing world and is also in talks with an international charity which wants to license the drug in the Third World.

Dr Melton added that being based at Tetricus – which provides fledgling biotechnology firms with a mixture of serviced office and laboratory accommodation and access to an unrivalled knowledge network – offered a number of important benefits.

“We have been able to use the facilities and expertise of the Health Protection Agency and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), which are also based at Porton Down,” said Dr Melton. “Having all this expertise on one site has been very helpful to us.”

Dr Clive Duggleby, General Manager of Tetricus, said: “Tetricus is much more than just a landlord. As well as providing tenant companies with the professional support and infrastructure they need to realise their commercial ambitions, we can also offer companies like Morvus access to a world-class knowledge network that includes some of the nation’s most talented scientists and provides a real catalyst for growth.

“Our partnership with the Dstl – which is the centre of scientific excellence for the Ministry of Defence - and our close links with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) provides fledgling biotech companies with a scientific support structure that is second to none.”

14.12.2006

DRUG COMPANY HARNESSES PAIN HEALING QUALITIES OF CANNABIS

GW Pharmaceuticals (GW) is developing new medicines derived from cannabis to help relieve the suffering of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other severe medical conditions.

Based at the Tetricus bio-incubation unit at Porton Down, GW is licensed by the UK Home Office to work with a range of controlled drugs for medical research purposes, including cannabis.

GW’s lead product Sativex®, a cannabis-based mouth spray medicine, was approved by Health Canada in April 2005 for the relief of neuropathic pain in MS sufferers and was launched in Canada in June 2005. The product is currently undergoing clinical trials in the UK and US.

GW has assembled a team of more than 100 scientists with extensive experience in developing both plant-based prescription pharmaceutical products and medicines containing controlled substances. The group has also developed secure and tamper-proof means of dispensing such drugs which have the potential for abuse or harm by inappropriate administration.

In addition, GW has established a separate division called the Cannabinoid Research Institute or “CRI”. The CRI aims to link industry and academia in conducting exploratory research which it is hoped will lead to the identification of new applications for cannabis-based medicines.

Jonathan Laughton GW Pharmaceuticals, said: “Our aim is to develop cannabis-based medicines that satisfy the standards of modern medical and pharmaceutical practice.

“Having access to specialised laboratory facilities in a secure and supportive environment is therefore crucial to achieving this goal, and this is exactly what Tetricus provides us with.”

09.11.2006

BIOTECH COMPANY LEADS FIGHT AGAINST HOSPITAL SUPERBUGS
A company at the forefront of the fight against the MRSA superbug is developing new technology to speed up tests for other potentially deadly hospital infections.

Acolyte Biomedica, which is based at the Tetricus bioscience business incubator at Porton Down Science Park, near Salisbury, has developed a rapid MRSA screening test which reduces the time taken to diagnose the killer bug from days to just a few hours.

Its unique BacLite test is proving to be a powerful weapon in the battle to reduce the spread of MRSA and could potentially save hundreds of lives and millions of pounds for the NHS each year.

Several NHS and private UK hospitals are currently using BacLite to screen for MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) which is resistant to all but a few expensive and rarely-used antibiotics.

Acolyte Biomedica is now using specially equipped laboratories at Tetricus to develop rapid screening tests for the other antibiotic-resistant hospital bugs including ESBL and VRE.

ESBLs (Extended-spectrum Beta-Lactamases) have been widely detected among E. coli bacteria. These ESBL-producing E. coli are able to resist penicillin and antibiotics, and are found in urinary tract infections in the community as well as in hospitals.

VRE (Vancomycin-resistant enterococci) is found in faeces and can cause urinary-tract infections. It is common among long-stay hospital patients and those on certain antibiotics.

Dr Bill Mullen, Acolyte’s Chief Executive, said: “The more antibiotics we use the more these bugs become resistant to them which are why ESBLs, for example, are rapidly becoming a big problem. ESBLs are very difficult to get rid of because they can survive for a long time outside the body.

“Our BacLite technology enables hospitals to screen people who might be at risk much more quickly. If they are harbouring the bug then they can be isolated from other people and treated to prevent it causing an outbreak of infection.”

Acolyte Biomedica plans to launch the new screening tests for ESBL and VRE in 2008, once they have undergone clinical trials.

Dr Mullen added that being based at Tetricus – which provides a mixture of serviced office and laboratory accommodation for fast-growing biotechnology companies -

had been crucial for the successful development of the company’s BacLite technology.

“This not the sort of thing you can do on a conventional industrial estate without your neighbours getting worried,” he said. “Tetricus provides a sophisticated and safe environment for this type of work and businesses based here also benefit from the support and expertise at Porton Down which is home to more than 1,000 scientists.”

Dr Clive Duggleby, General Manager of Tetricus, said: “We provide an exceptional environment for innovation in bioscience and related technologies, where young businesses can grow and flourish. We offer small companies with big ideas such as Acolyte Biomedica the professional support and infrastructure they need to realise their commercial ambitions.”