GSK diagnostics deal

GLAXOSMITHKLINE (GSK) has signed a strategic partnership with Brisbane-based medical diagnostics firm Ellume, which offers systems based on fluorescent nanoparticles called Quantum Dots that enable “real-time detection of common conditions such as influenza, strep throat and chlamydia”.

The pact with GSK Consumer Health is believed to focus on respiratory care, according to a report in The Australian, with founder Sean Parsons saying the deal would “enable the product to scale into a global market” as well as validating the technology.

A key application of Ellume’s point-of-care technology is to reduce antimicrobial resistance by accurately diagnosing whether a virus or bacteria is the cause of a respiratory tract infection.