Oxford firm Sense Biodetection sign Australian distribution deal

Published by

Stephen Emerson

Oxford-based molecular diagnostics innovator Sense Biodetection has entered into a strategic agreement with Abacus dx for the non-exclusive distribution in Australia and New Zealand of Sense’s Veros instrument-free, point-of-care molecular testing platform.

Veros is the first and only self-contained, single-use COVID-19 product that produces PCR-quality results in approximately 15 minutes, unconstrained by a reader or need for external power. Abacus dx is a leading specialty medical distributor connecting innovative manufacturers with customers in Australia and New Zealand. Positioned to enable Abacus dx to supply customers immediately upon regulatory approval in the respective countries, the agreement is the latest in Sense’s worldwide distribution partnerships as it commercialises its Veros platform.

Sense Chief Commercial Officer Ryan Roberts said: “We are enthusiastic about our partnership with Abacus dx to bring Veros COVID-19 to Australian and New Zealand healthcare providers. Together we’re optimistic that by adding the instrument-free Veros COVID-19 to their portfolio, Abacus dx’s customers will be able to take advantage of a rapid, laboratory-quality molecular test that can enable improved access and faster diagnosis, helping them to provide exceptional care for their patients right at the point of use.”

“Sense and Veros fit perfectly into our portfolio,” said Shayne Christensen, CEO of Abacus dx. “To offer an instrument-free, PCR-quality result in minutes right at the Point of Care reflects our approach to bring solutions that have the potential to improve care.”

Using a proprietary rapid molecular amplification technology, Veros aims to help to improve access to rapid, highly accurate, point-of-care testing for many more people and help reduce the spread of COVID-19 with faster, more precise diagnoses.

Veros COVID-19’s clinical performance was established in one of the most comprehensive clinical trials in COVID-19 diagnostic testing conducted to date. The multicenter study prospectively enrolled nearly 300 evaluable subjects during both the Delta and Omicron variant surges of the pandemic. All study sites represented near-patient testing / point-of-care environments, with all test operators reporting no prior formal laboratory training or experience. 100% of operators agreed the Veros COVID-19 was easy-to-use, read, and understand the results, with minimal hands-on time required from start to finish.

As the virus continues to evolve, Veros COVID-19 has maintained the ability to detect all Variants of Interest and Concern identified to date by WHO and the US CDC, including all Omicron sub-variants.

Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset. Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users. He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.