20 July 2009 - Michelson Diagnostics (MDL) has received its first major American order from the Department of Pharmacogenics at Washington University in St Louis.
In 2003, MDL developed a high-resolution imaging technology called Multi-Beam Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).
This produces images of the sub-surface detail in soft and hard biological tissue, silicon and some plastics and ceramics in real time and at microscopic resolution.
MDL is now applying Multi-Beam OCT to the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of cancer, particularly dermal and oral cancer.
In November 2007, the company joined Passport to Export, UK Trade and Investment's (UKTI) tailored 12- to 18-month programme of advice and support for new and inexperienced exporters.
As well as a full company diagnostic and development of an Export Action Plan, the programme provides subsidised training, up to GBP1,500 of matched funding to implement export plans, and an experienced international trade adviser (ITA) to offer expertise and guidance.
MDL has also taken advantage of the Export Marketing Research Scheme (EMRS), which encourages UK companies in the proper conduct and use of marketing research when exploring potential new markets overseas.
Part of the EMRS support was a funded visit to the US to help the company identify the correct end users and target audience for its product.
Jon Holmes from MDL, said: 'One of the key discoveries for us was the detailed market research that UKTI provided.
'The EMRS gave us a comprehensive insight into the markets we were trying to target.
'The results showed that the optical imaging market was too underdeveloped for us to start launching straight in to identify distributors.
'Accordingly, we have adopted a market-driven strategy focusing on working with customers to discover their needs, and on identifying the right market sub-sectors.' In spring 2008, MDL signed an exclusive worldwide license with the University Health Network of Toronto for a patent covering the use of multiple optical beams to extend the depth of focus and improve the imaging performance of its OCT technology.
Developments continue and sales of the company's Multi-Beam OCT product, the EX1301 OCT Microscope, began in early 2008 to Russia as well as the UK, contributing to the rapid growth of the business.
In 2009, MDL is looking to develop its US presence by attending two dermatology shows: the American Association of Dermatologists Summer Academy, in Boston; and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, in Arizona. 29 June 2009 - Michelson Diagnostics Limited (MDL) has opened a sales and support office in the US. The office, which is located in Fuquay-Varina, in the Research Triangle vicinity of Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, will act as a hub for growth of MDL's business in the field of optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging.
3 June 2009 - Michelson Diagnostics (MDL) has appointed Dr Florian Bazant-Hegemark as senior imaging scientist.
27 May 2009 - Michelson Diagnostics (MDL) has announced its sponsorship of the 2009 Hounsfield lecture, taking place at Imperial College London on 8 June.
