New molecular diagnostics business launches in Manchester

A new company has been launched in Manchester to develop new tests to predict, prevent and diagnose diseases.

APIS Assay Technologies was launched by Health Innovation Manchester and global partner QIAGEN in an effort to develop new biomarkers for helping diagnose disease and identifying specific treatments for patients.

APIS hopes to realise the clinical and commercial potential of genomic medicine in diagnostic tests, personalising treatments for potentially better patient outcomes. The company already has three tests in developments, including one for prognostic breast cancer diagnostics. It hopes to use the insights gained in oncology to expand its diagnostics services to other disease areas.

The company will be based at Citylabs 1.0, the biomedical centre based on the main Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust campus alongside the Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine.

Ian Kavanagh, chief operating officer of APIS Assay Technologies, said: “We are very excited about the challenge that lies ahead. APIS combines scientific talent, unique development expertise and cutting-edge technology, helping us bring molecular diagnostics to benefit patients around the globe. Our business model rests on three pillars - a biomarker industrial research program, the fast-tracking of biomarkers and diagnostic platforms for market sale and contract development.”

Health Innovation Manchester’s partnership with QIAGEN is set to fast-track health benefits to citizens in Greater Manchester through access to new test and targeted treatments.

Rowena Burns, chair of Health Innovation Manchester, said: “Greater Manchester’s vision is to create a globally-leading precision health campus for innovation, translational science and molecular diagnostics, employing up to 1,500 highly skilled people. Our partnership with QIAGEN underlines their role as the UK’s flagship industry partner and acts as a catalyst for Manchester to become a major hub for genomic research and industry in Europe.

“This is a major development for life sciences here – and across the North – and a testament to our long-standing history of forming public-private partnerships to support the creation of jobs, growth, address the health needs of local people, while also making an important international contribution to improved diagnosis and treatment of disease.”

Peer M. Schatz, chief executive officer of QIAGEN, said: “We’re proud that QIAGEN was selected as a partner to create this innovative new company APIS, which we believe has the potential to accelerate scientific discovery and drive the development of valuable molecular tests. We believe that this partnership with the great scientific and clinical expertise and capacities found in Manchester will accelerate molecular biomarker research, leading to the development of new and promising diagnostic assays.

“This collaborative initiative can serve as an incubator for translating genomic biomarkers into clinical use. We are certain that the people of greater Manchester and patients all over the world will benefit from advanced diagnostic insights.”