A NORTH-EAST company is helping to create a handheld device that can help to detect and diagnose flu and avian flu.
Orla Protein Technologies, of Newcastle, has signed an agreement with electronic firm Japan Radio Company to develop the biosensor. Prototypes are expected to be ready within six months.
Orla’s chief executive, Dale Athey, said: “Breaking into the Japanese market has been a long-term ambition for the company, so signing this agreement for us is both a great achievement in itself and the first of what we hope will be many fruitful Far East collaborations.”
The company’s development has been backed by a series of investments from NEL Capital, the venture capital division of regional fund management firm NEL Fund Managers.
Barrie Hensby, chief executive at NEL Fund Managers, said: “It is a real thrill for us to be part of a North-East company’s burgeoning success on the world stage.”
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