A world-first, pain-free diabetes test developed at the University of Newcastle could be in the hands of consumers following $6.3 million in funding to establish the first manufacturing facility for the device.
Funded under the Medical Products priority of the Australian Government’s Modern Manufacturing Initiative, the world-class facility will help to transition twenty years of research from the lab to retail shelves to benefit more than 460 million people living with diabetes globally.
University of Newcastle physicist and research leader, Professor Paul Dastoor said his team at the Centre for Organic Electronics (COE) were working closely with their commercial partner and grant recipient – GBS, on a purpose-built manufacturing facility to be located in the Hunter.
“Construction will begin on the facility this year, with the first devices due to roll off the production line by 2023,” Professor Dastoor said.
“With more than 460 million people testing their glucose levels regularly, this is a technology with huge demand, and the potential to create significant high-tech jobs growth in our region and beyond.”
Dr George Syrmalis, Group Chief Executive Officer of The iQ Group Global added, “Our entire business model is all about translation of discovery into a product that fills an unmet medical need.”
“Creating a dedicated high tech manufacturing facility to commence production for our Glucose Biosensor will benefit the local society by creating jobs, but most importantly the patients afflicted with diabetes, who have up till now had to finger prick multiple times a day in order to monitor their glucose levels. This grant could not have come at a more appropriate time, as we prepare for clinical testing,” said Dr Syrmalis.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said the project was a powerful example of the direction the University was taking under its Looking Ahead Strategic Plan, launched last year.
“Through our strategic plan, which was shaped by our students, staff and our communities, we committed to establishing the Hunter as the ultimate test bed for innovation and to drive investment in the new industries that are needed to generate the job opportunities of the future. This project is a tangible example of that plan coming to fruition and another proud moment for our region,” said Professor Zelinsky.
Courtesy : newcastle.edu.au