News
£1.6m raised by firm developing tests with F&B laboratory applications
The firm, which is working on the development of diagnostic testing products designed to deliver better performance of laboratory-based instruments, raised £1.6m from a syndicate of angel investors and innovation agency Innovate UK.
The funding will significantly boost Fuse’s ability to develop rapid, low-cost, point-of-need tests that will have applications across numerous sectors, most notably food and drink.
The products aim to address testing needs where eliminating pathogen contamination is crucial as well as providing accurate point-of-need testing.
Currently, Fuse is developing two diagnostic testing platforms. Products in the Flip range will be targeted at industrial, food and water testing, as well as the bioprocessing industry and cell biology research – to test for mycoplasma contamination of mammalian cell culture, for example.
Meanwhile, the Apex range is aimed at more advanced industrial testing, together with veterinary applications and clinical diagnostics, such as tests for respiratory or sexually transmitted infections.
Reacting to the successful funding round, Fuse CEO Dr Harry Lamble said: “We are bringing gold standard laboratory performance into small, low-cost, disposable tests that anyone can use – with results in under 10 minutes, thanks to our proprietary ultra-rapid amplification chemistries. The simple product format enables users to test on demand in any location – all they have to do is apply the sample and wait for the clear visual result.”
Fuse was created by the founders of Sense Biodetection – Harry and Ralph Lamble – who developed the world’s first rapid instrument-free, molecular diagnostic test during the Covid pandemic.
Following the acquisition of Sense by Sherlock Biosciences in 2023, the brothers decided to apply their experience of clinical product development and commercialisation to address the widespread demand for rapid onsite pathogen testing across industry.
In other news, leading F&B manufacturer Princes Group has confirmed that it is set to be sold to Italian firm Newlat Food.
