MRC Technology calls for diagnostic collaboration

MRC Technology called for greater collaboration in the development of healthcare diagnostics at a recent partner event, Accelerating diagnostics development, at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. Leading figures in healthcare development across Scotland attested correct and timely diagnosis can improve recovery time for patients and prevent the need for further, costly diagnostics and treatments.

Access to patients, lack of resources and limited industry connections are however often barriers in the development of diagnostics. Medical research charity MRC Technology can bridge the gap between early stage diagnostic research and its commercialisation by offering collaborative diagnostic assay development and validation. It launched a call for partner collaborations for the development of DNA and RNA based biomarkers.

Michael Dalrymple, Director, Business Development at MRC Technology, said: “MRC Technology’s Centre for Diagnostic Development in Edinburgh has relaunched itself to best reflect the work of our scientists there. We are now inviting potential partners with early stage RNA, DNA and/or protein-based diagnostics, particularly in the areas of oncology, infectious diseases and pharmacogenomics, to collaboratively develop diagnostics for some of the most challenging health issues of our time.”

Greater collaboration between health service providers, academia and pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies will increase access to properly consented cohorts and bio-banks, and this infrastructure will help to facilitate novel diagnostic development.

Academic scientists, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies interested in working with MRC Technology can visit www.callfordiagnostics.org for further information.