Oxford Medical Diagnostics and V&F Join Forces in the Field Of Mass Spectrometry
Under the terms of the new agreement with V&F, Oxford Medical Diagnostics will offer and support V&F’s high-performance mass spectrometry analyzers in the UK and Ireland. Also, OMD will establish a contract batch sample analysis service in its Oxford laboratories to provide analytical services to third party customers using V&F’s mass spectrometers.
OMD will bring to bear its expertise in spectrometry and is itself developing the Acetone Breath Analyzer, based on its proprietary infrared absorption spectroscopy. The device will be used to screen and diagnose Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as well as monitor weight-loss in healthy individuals.
Target markets for mass spectrometry and allied contract analytical services are substantial. They include pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, aerospace, fine chemicals, oil and gas, the environment, and food and beverages. OMD already uses V&F’s leading mass spectrometry technology as the gold standard with which to compare clinical results from diabetic patients with OMD’s proprietary laser based breath analysis solutions. The joint offering now implies a much closer working relationship between the two companies.
In addition to this collaboration, the two companies are looking into other opportunities for joint research. These include bacterial headspace analysis – analyzing the space above bacteriological samples such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile - as well as sports performance monitoring and healthy weight loss management.
“This is a great alliance for OMD, linking us to one of the most talented molecular analysis companies in the world. It brings analytical know-how, and the opportunity to earn revenues – an important discipline for early-stage companies, like ours,” said Oxford Medical Diagnostics CEO, Tony Marchington.
“We project an exciting future working with OMD,” said Dr Werner Federer, president of V&F. “Diabetes and lifestyle-weight loss represent significant opportunities for both our companies.”
About Oxford Medical Diagnostics
Oxford Medical Diagnostics Ltd is developing a unique blend of technology that makes it possible to provide rapid, accurate and low-cost diagnosis and monitoring of disease and metabolic functions through the simple and non-invasive analysis of breath. Its initial objective is to bring to market a non-invasive point-of-care (at-patient) diagnostic instrument to detect diabetes - both types 1 and 2. The OMD approach is based on development of breath analysis, potentially a highly accurate method of diagnosis. In the case of diabetes, this involves the detection of acetone in the patient’s breath. The company’s expertise also allows it to offer an industrial gas analysis service, giving it an on-going revenue stream. Proprietary and patented technologies within OMD include Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (CEAS), based on tunable diode lasers, Broadband Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (BBCEAS), which uses super-luminescent light emitting diodes and Plasma Emission Spectroscopy (PES). OMD has already assembled a highly experienced management team whose members have excellent track records of success in company development and technology. The company has raised GBP 1.26 million in funding from its management team and private investors. It maintains close links with the University of Oxford and academics around the world.
For more information: http://www.omdiagnostics.com
About V&F
V&F Analyse- und Messtechnik GmbH of Absam, Austria has been designing and manufacturing Mass Spectrometers (MS) for real-time gas analysis based on industrial and laboratory proven technology, Ion Molecule Reaction Mass Spectrometry (‘IMR-MS’), for over 25 years. IMR-MS, also known as ‘soft ionization’, coupled with a patented ion transfer technique provides a combination of high-speed analysis, ultra high-sensitivity and range, and industrial level ruggedness unsurpassed in the gas analysis field. Today, several hundred of V&F gas analyzers provide critical gas component analysis for automotive and diesel research, food and beverage quality control, environmental and medical applications. In the US, V&F distribute through wholly owned subsidiaries, V&F Instruments and V&F Gas Analysis Systems.
For more information: http://www.vandf.com