Glasgow spin-out sold to Avacta

Acquisition

ReactivLab, a Glasgow University spin-out specialising in animal health diagnostics has been acquired by the Avacta Group for £80,000, plus additional payments depending on the level of sales in the following three years of 30 per cent and 100 per cent of directly attributable revenues for the second and third years respectively. In ReactivLab’s last reported accounts (31 July 2009), the company had revenues for the year of £142,079 and pre-tax losses of £142,596.

ReactivLab was spun out of Glasgow University’s Veterinary School by David Eckersall to develop Acute-Phase Protein (APP) tests for veterinary healthcare. Concentrations of APP in the blood change as part of the immune and inflammatory response to health problems including infections, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The tests are complimentary to other tests sold by Avacta’s Animal Health arm.

In human health, monitoring of APPs is used extensively and accounts for very high volumes of tests.

York-based Avacta is in a position to commercialise the APP tests through its Animal Health diagnostic testing laboratory services, while Glasgow University will remain as the centre for research and development for further applications, products and services.

ReactivLab was spun out from the university in August 2007.