Detection and Identification of Infectious Agents Innovation Platform

The research and development that will be funded by the Innovation Platform will be aimed at producing new rapid diagnostic tests and Point of Care (POC) devices for the detection and identification of infectious agents in both humans and animals. The range of diseases and areas chosen were prioritised by government (DH and DEFRA) Success for this Innovation Platform (IP) would be the development by UK industry of diagnostic tests including Point of Care (POC) devices for the rapid and effective detection and identification of infectious agents to be used in the UK and globally.

The devices should be rapid, sensitive and specific, cheap, easy to use, minimally invasive, compact, stable and compatible with existing systems. POC devices bring healthcare closer to the patient, offering convenience as well as the potential for quicker diagnosis and treatment. With infectious diseases accounting for over a fifth of human deaths, there is likely to be significant global demand for state-of-the-art disease detection and identification technology. Infectious diseases are a constant threat to the health and wealth of the nation.

In the UK approximately 10% of all deaths and 4% of all hospital admissions are attributed to infectious diseases, and 35% of GP consultations (50% in children) are due to an infection. Hospital-acquired infections cost the NHS around £1bn each year. Taking into account loss of national productivity and payment of sickness benefit the cost is considerably higher; around £3-11bn for MRSA alone. Animal diseases can be equally costly and serious. The 2001 outbreak of foot and mouth disease cost the UK about £7bn; and bovine tuberculosis, the largest endemic animal health issue in Great Britain, cost the taxpayer around £80m in 2007/08 for surveillance, research, testing and compensation.