During the visit, PBD Biotech announced it will be expanding to Saskatoon to begin trial studies of its diagnostic technology for infections in animals.
The start-up has developed a novel diagnostic called Actiphage®, which provides a highly specific and sensitive assay for the cost-effective detection of mycobacterial disease in blood and milk.
Mycobacteria are a cause of a number of diseases in cattle and other species, such as bovine TB and Johne’s Disease. The assay has been accepted as part of UK Government protocol for Exceptional private use on herds suffering persistent TB breakdowns in England.
As Actiphage can distinguish between viable and non-viable organisms; it can reliably differentiate between animals carrying live infectious organisms and those that have been specifically vaccinated. As such it has the potential to become a significant tool in the detection and control of tuberculosis in animals and humans. It also has application in food safety and public health.
Innovate UK, supported by the Enterprise Europe Network, is delivering the Global Business Accelerator Programme, a fully-funded series of country visits for highly innovative businesses in selected technology sectors. The Programme’s objective is to enable companies to build strong strategic partnerships and bilateral collaborations.
If you would like to meet with PBD Biotech or any of the other delegates, please register via the Global Business Accelerator Programme website.