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Native Antigen Company Launched as Key Innovator to In-vitro Diagnostics Sector

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The Native Antigen Company has been formed following a spin out from PsiOxus (formerly Hybrid BioSystems). NAC, headquartered in Birmingham with research offices in Oxford, has its expertise in the isolation and purification of both viral and bacterial native antigens. These antigens serve as key components of infectious disease testing kits (a growing market estimated to be worth up to £100m); their function being to accurately detect pathogenic infection by capturing antibodies in patient samples.

With their proprietary approach developed over many years of research at Hybrid BioSystems, NAC is well placed to take a significant part of a growing need for diagnostic kit producers to purify and supply challenging components which result in enhanced assay performance. This is best illustrated in the immune-compromised patient where an accurate and rapid diagnosis of respiratory or gastric pathogens can be critical to patient survival.

Andrew Maxwell CEO said “Most antigens used in current diagnostic kits are not native and can thus lack the specificity and sensitivity which we offer with our native antigens. Accurate identification of an organism is vital to ensure an effective patient treatment regime. Industry has become reliant on recombinant antigens in part, due to perceived costs savings and ease of manufacture. There is a clear gap for an innovative company which can focus its expertise in the isolation and purification of native antigens and is prepared to work closely with the kit manufacturers to provide tailored, cost effective solutions. This is reflected in the strong market appetite to evaluate our approach.”

Mark Payton, CEO Mercia Fund Management, commented "NAC has a tremendous opportunity to improve the performance of diagnostic kits with the supply of native antigen kit components. The business has a strong team and a set of supportive investors that truly understand the industry and market opportunity. We look forward to the continued growth of this business"