Enlisting molecule 'detection' in the fight against disease at Leeds

Advanced biotechnology to support drug development and health screening

New technologies developed through basic biotechnology research at the University of Leeds are now being employed at the sharp end of commercial drug development, through the spin-out company Avacta.

The company was founded in 2004, after 6 years of underpinning research. Avacta’s molecular detection technologies are at the forefront of drug invention; they are used by pharmaceutical companies, amongst others, in developing promising new therapies. The company’s expertise is also deployed to detect harmful micro-organisms, such as dangerous viruses.  This innovative detection technology has huge potential to be used in homeland security, as well as in screening for the protection of human health. 

As well as important healthcare benefits, the company has achieved considerable commercial success. It was listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) branch of the London Stock Exchange in 2006, and expanded rapidly. In September 2009 it was valued at more than £23m.