USW signs agreement with spin-out company Llusern Scientific

A company which was set-up to transform the field of medical diagnostics has signed an agreement to strengthen links with the University of South Wales (USW).

Llusern Scientific, a spin-out company of USW, was founded in 2020 with a vision to revolutionise the field of diagnostics.

Its founders recognised the urgent need for rapid, accurate, and accessible testing solutions to address the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, and to improve patient outcomes.

The company’s team of experts in microbiology, genetics, and electrical engineering developed a cutting-edge molecular diagnostic platform which helps healthcare professionals to make informed decisions at the point of care. This has provided a more efficient way to start targeted treatment for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.

Llusern has also recently been awarded the ISO 13485 certification for its testing system, which demonstrates how it has built a manufacturing facility to world-class standards.

After a successful few years of business, Llusern and USW have agreed to discuss further co-operation, and have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support these discussions, which is in place from August. The plan is for the talks to lead to a legally-binding agreement.

The MoU covers a range of potential activities, including staff development and training, student placements, collaboration in teaching, learning, research and knowledge transfer, use of facilities, joint research, and marketing and promotion.

Llusern was developed by academics at USW, some of whom now work full-time with the business, while others split their time between the University and Llusern.

Professor Martin Steggall, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at USW, said: “Building closer links with Llusern is of huge benefit to both the University and the company.

“Having worked closely with Llusern since it was established, and with its innovative leadership team when many of them were at USW, we already have a strong partnership.

“This MoU will not only build on that relationship, but also allow both parties to continue to share the success story, to help students and colleagues, develop research strategies, and to further develop ground-breaking technologies.”