Licensing
The technology transfer arm of Manchester University, UMIP, has sealed a deal with oligonucleotide reagent manufacturer, Link Technologies Ltd, to manufacture and sell its novel exciplex diagnostic reagents worldwide.
Exciplex technology provides high levels of biospecificity and significantly increased detection sensitivity over conventional systems. This license marks the start of a forward collaboration between Link and the University to develop the existing technology.
Ken Douglas and Elena Bichenkova, researchers at Manchester, have developed the exciplex diagnostic probes, which are based on modified oligonucleotides. Application of these modified oligonucleotides in diagnostic systems has been shown to discriminate DNA mutations with the same level of specificity as the established PCR technology. Douglas said, “The exciplex is a significant new area of science and we are pleased to have the expertise of Link Technologies to take this forward commercially for clinical benefit.”
John Bremner, Business Development Director at Link Technologies, said, “Our ongoing collaboration with the university over the coming months will optimise the technology, allowing Link to launch a new range of innovative products.”
Patents for this technology, covering all major market areas, are held by the university. Link Technologies has secured the rights to any intellectual property arising from the collaboration. No financial details of the agreement have been disclosed.
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