Search

FIND strengthens partnership with 42 Technology on major new diagnostic programmes

The partners are working to develop lower-cost, simpler and more effective diagnostic tests for TB, malaria and other diseases to reduce their burden on the developing world.

Geneva, Switzerland – 7 January 2013 – The Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), which is driving the development and early implementation of diagnostic tests for tuberculosis (TB), malaria and other diseases of the developing world, has today confirmed an extension to its existing development partnership with 42 Technology (42T).

The consultancy has been appointed to work on a number of major new diagnostic projects involving the development of very low cost and more effective tests that are simple and robust enough to be used in challenging locations and closer to patients. The work will primarily benefit detection and screening initiatives for the control and treatment of TB and malaria, diseases that together account for more than two million deaths each year. However, a number of other ‘neglected’ infectious diseases such as sleeping sickness which have traditionally received little attention are also expected to benefit from this collaboration.

42T will provide a wide range of product and process development skills: from assessing the feasibility of biological methods, producing prototype devices and proving performance in the real world. Initial work is focused on understanding the needs of existing diagnostic test protocols, with particular consideration for human interaction and how this impacts test performance. Such analysis will help to identify the challenges involved and enable 42T to propose novel tailored solutions.

“42 Technology’s creative approach is helping us solve the complex and interrelated design problems that we see when developing new diagnostics in readiness for private and public sector launch. The consultancy team is working closely with our scientific experts to understand our needs, evaluate concepts and generate innovative practical solutions that work,” said Dr Mark Perkins, Chief Scientific Officer at FIND.

FIND has been working with 42T for almost four years and on a variety of projects including the development of new ways to more easily and safely transfer precise volumes of infected patient sputum, and a novel technique enabling earlier detection of TB by significantly improving the analytic sensitivity of existing diagnostic tests.

# # #

About 42 Technology
42T is a product design and development consultancy that specialises in creating innovative products for consumer and business markets including medical and healthcare, industrial, packaging and dispense, consumer, food and drink, and energy.

The company’s core team of industry-experienced product designers and engineers works closely with academia, selected associates and partner companies to offer a cost-effective and efficient approach to new product development. 42T is the perfect partner for SMEs, as well as larger international brands, as it offers everything from assistance with technology strategy and management through to new product creation and UK-based or off-shore manufacturing.

42T was founded in 1998 and is based in St Ives, near Cambridge. For further information please visit or contact:

  • www.42technology.com
  • Press enquiries or requests for supporting images should be directed to Simon McKay on +44 (0)1353 741075 or email to simon.mckay@42technology.com
  • All other enquiries to Adrian Swinburne at 42 Technology on +44 (0)1480 302700

About FIND
The Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics is dedicated to developing affordable, easy-to-use, cutting-edge diagnostic tests that save lives in the poorest areas of the world. From proof of concept to putting new tests into practice, the organization works with multiple and diverse groups, such as academia, industry, donors, partners in the field, Ministries of Health and the World Health Organization.

With five new diagnostic tools for TB already in use, FIND also has established programmes in malaria and sleeping sickness, and has begun working on other neglected diseases, such as leishmaniasis and Chagas.

Launched in 2003, the not-for-profit Foundation is ISO certified and financed by both the private and public sectors, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Governments of Germany and of the Netherlands, European Union, UNITAID, UK Department for International Development, National Institutes of Health (USA), UBS Optimus Foundation and others.

For more information, please contact: