Formerly Panopsys, the company has changed its name to reflect its transition from a start-up, with an interesting potential technology, into a diagnostic business with strong venture capital funding
A new name has entered the field of point of care diagnostics - Vivacta.
Formerly Panopsys, the company has changed its name to reflect its transition from a start-up, with an interesting potential technology, into a diagnostic business with strong venture capital funding.
This is being used to support the company's development and marketing of its first commercial system.
Presented as a hand-held reader with disposable cartridges employing Vivacta's patented Piezoelectric film technology, it can be used for the rapid detection and quantification of markers in binding assays, including broad repertoires of immunoassays as well as gene-based tests.
The speed and simplicity of the technology makes it ideal for point of care applications, yet it offers a level of sensitivity that is normally only available from large laboratory platforms.
Commenting on the new name, Neil Butler, CEO of Vivacta said, "Following the injection of funds, we are now ready to project the company into the forefront of point of care diagnostics.
"We wanted a solid base with a business identity that was clean, protected and reflected our image.
"In addition to changing our name, we are also investing heavily in new staff, with a four-fold increase in the number working actively on system development.
"Vivacta's Piezofilm sensor is truly an innovative new technology which is able to rapidly and quantitatively detect marker concentration in any binding assay.
"It is expected that this technology will be translated into DNA/RNA testing following its introduction in immunoassays".
Tim Carter, the company's CSO said "We will be demonstrating the capability of our technology by developing a test for TSH that will have utility in doctor's offices and clinics.
"We believe this will have a sensitivity that will match current third generation TSH performance guidelines and as such should be widely accepted as the equal of laboratory testing.
"Once we have proven the technology on TSH, we will focus on developing a broad cardiac marker panel for use in acute care settings such as AandE and ICU".
Vivacta says it aims to introduce its technology to market through partnerships with global diagnostic companies.
