LONDON (ShareCast) - (Sharecast News) - Abingdon Health announced a strategic partnership with Okos Diagnostics on Monday to co-develop, manufacture and commercialise lateral flow test kits for avian influenza (H5N1), targeting both bovine and human health applications.
The AIM-traded firm said the agreement would see the two firms collaborate to adapt Okos' existing prototype H5N1 lateral flow test for use in dairy cattle via milk sampling and for human diagnostics using nasopharyngeal fluid.

Under the terms of the deal, Abingdon Health said it would hold exclusive global distribution rights for the finished products, with a profit-sharing arrangement in place between the parties.

The move came amid heightened global concern over H5N1, following a recent outbreak in the United States.

A Lancet article published in April cited the infection of over 995 dairy herds and at least 70 humans, including one fatality, warning of the potential for human-to-human transmission.

The continued spread of the virus in wildlife and domestic animals had raised fears of a broader public health threat.

"We are excited to partner with Okos Diagnostics to bring these innovative lateral flow tests to the global market," said executive chairman Dr Chris Hand.

"This collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to improve health by making rapid tests accessible to all."

Dr Hand said that by combining Okos' work to date on developing prototypes with Abingdon's scale-up, manufacturing, regulatory and commercialisation capabilities, the company was well-positioned to deliver high-quality diagnostic solutions to address such important health needs.

"Additionally, the state of Wisconsin has already announced that it will begin the testing of cows' milk for avian flu which indicates the rapidly increasing market for this test."

At 0859 BST, shares in Abingdon Health were up 15.38% at 7.5p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.

Email this article to a friend

or share it with one of these popular networks:

• DIGG
• FACEBOOK
• STUMBLEUPON
• MIXX
• YAHOO BUZZ
• DELICIOUS
• REDDIT
• NEWSVINE