Latest news from across Forsite

New test points genetic finger at ramorum
A world-first innovation promises to help plant specialists identify serious diseases more quickly and easily. A new diagnostic service called PDplus™ means the fungus which causes sudden oak death can be detected more rapidly, helping experts make decisions on how best to manage the disease.
Added on Friday August 08, 2008.

York-based start-up company, Forsite Diagnostics, launched the new service on 1 August to plant managers all over Europe. 

Managing quarantine diseases such as sudden oak death requires accurate identification of the organism causing the problem – Phytophthora ramorum.   Forsite already produces a rapid Pocket Diagnostic™ on-site test for detection of Phytophthora, and these are used widely by specialists for screening purposes.  However, to identify individual species such as P. ramorum, DNA forensic techniques are needed, which is where PDplus™ fits in.  The new PDplus™ service offers end-users speed and low cost with the benefits of genetic fingerprint sensitivity.  

Launching the new service, Forsite’s chief executive Chris Danks said, ‘In PDplus™ we are combining the simplicity of a pregnancy test with the sensitivity of DNA forensics.  A user in the field takes a sample from a plant and runs a Pocket Diagnostic™ test.  If the result is positive for Phytophthora, they can send in the test device for PDplus™ analysis.  From analysing the DNA on the test strip we can identify any of four species of Phytophthora more quickly than current methods.’

PDplus™ can help also in the struggle to manage P. kernoviae, a close relative of P. ramorum, which is causing concern in the south west of England.  ‘Kernoviae is one of the four species of Phytophthora we can identify now using PDplus™, and it is a disease that growers and land-owners are worried about’, says Mr Danks. 

One of the main benefits of this new service is that it removes the need for potentially-infectious samples of diseased plant to be sent to a laboratory.  The only object which needs to be mailed is a Pocket Diagnostic test (a 70 x 20mm plastic strip), thereby reducing costs and infection risks. 

‘Phytophthora is a major problem in horticulture and the wider natural environment’, comments Mr Danks. ‘Not all species are serious problems, but ramorum and kernoviae are notifiable organisms in the European Union.  Having a much faster and low cost method of identifying these pathogens will help growers and government plant health services manage the challenges more effectively.’ 

Ends
 
Notes for editors

1. PDplus™ is a specialist service for plant health experts such as growers, environmental managers and statutory inspection services.   PDplus™ is beneficial in cases where the the user detects Phytophthora with a Pocket Diagnostic™ test and requires identification to species level.   The Pocket Diagnostic™ test strip (which will detect all species of Phytophthora) is returned to Forsite for DNA analysis – and it is this DNA analysis which is PDplus™.  

2. Customers will receive results from the PDplus™ analysis within 3 working days of the test Pocket Diagnostic test strip arriving in the Forsite office.  Results are returned by email or SMS message.  

3. PDplus™ can be used currently to identify four species of Phytophthora: P. ramorum, P. kernoviae, P. frageriae and P. cactorum from a wide range of host plants.  All of these species of Phytophthora are damaging to plants, with the first two causing increasing concern due to their impact on plants in the natural environment.   P. frageriae and P. cactorum are of more concern to the strawberry industry.  For more about ramorum and kernoviae, visit www.defra.gov.uk/planth/pramorum.htm.  

4. PDplus™ uses an ultra-sensitive molecular detection method known as real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) based on TaqMan® chemistry to confirm the identity of the target pathogen on the Pocket Diagnostic test.   The DNA used in the analysis is collected from the plant sample by the Pocket Diagnostic test strip - the first commercial service to use DNA collected in this way. This patented technology achieves significant time and cost savings over conventional methods.  The PCR analysis in PDplus™ is being carried out by the world-renowned Central Science Laboratory under agreement with Forsite Diagnostics. 

5. Forsite Diagnostics Ltd is a new company, set up in 2007 as a spin out from the UK government’s Central Science Laboratory, an Executive Agency of Defra.   Forsite specialises in developing and manufacturing on-site diagnostics for plant health, animal health and food safety targets using lateral flow technology, as in the home pregnancy test.  The company produces the Pocket Diagnostic™ range of tests for plant diseases, with sales around the world.  Further information on Pocket Diagnostic tests can be found at www.pocketdiagnostic.com.
 

Indian Farmers given foresight on tomato diseases
Indian farmers have been given valuable new understanding about the health of their crops through the use of on-site tests for tomato blight.
Added on Wednesday July 23, 2008.

Pocket Diagnostic tests confirmed to farmers that it is blight which is damaging their crops, and they are now in a better position to control the disease.   

The farmers in Maharashtra District were the first in India to use the test kits produced in York by Forsite Diagnostics Ltd., during a visit which marks a turning point for the start-up company. 

Tomato farmers in India face many challenges from pest and disease, including the blight familiar to UK tomato and potato growers.  ‘Farmers need to know what diseases are attacking their crops in order to use the correct control methods’, says Dr Paul Meakin of Forsite Diagnostics.  ‘The fact that our Pocket Diagnostic test showed blight to be one of the main problems is a step in the right direction for these farmers.  Now they can decide on the best treatment to protect yields, knowing for certain what disease they are facing.’

Forsite Diagnostics is working with Gujarat Life Sciences (GLS) of India to bring on-site diagnostic tests to Indian farmers.  ‘Indian conditions are very different, but many of the diseases are similar. This means several of our well-established on-site tests are relevant’, adds Dr Meakin.  ‘It is a major business opportunity for Forsite, and there will be real benefits to Indian farmers if we are successful.   Our partnership with GLS is essential in understanding and addressing market needs in India.’

Ends
 

Notes for editors
1. Forsite Diagnostics Ltd was set up in 2007 as a spin out from the UK Government’s Central Science Laboratory.   The company employs 15 staff at its Sand Hutton base where diagnostic tests for plant and animal diseases and food contaminants are developed and manufactured.  See www.forsitediagnositcs.com for more.

2. Pocket Diagnostic™ tests manufactured by Forsite detect a range of over 20 viral, fungal and bacterial diseases in plants and are used by growers in the field to help make decisions on crop management.  More details at: www.pocketdiagnostic.com.

3. Gujarat Life Sciences is an established company in northern India manufacturing microbial biopesticides and growth promoters for farmers in developing countries.

4. The joint Forsite/GLS visit to India took place between 9-13 July to the Maharashtra District, north of Mumbia. 

5. The farmer whose tomato was shown by a Pocket Diagnostic test to be infected with blight is Mr. Suryakant Arjun Bhagat of Kumshet Village.

Bioscience advisory role for Forsite
Chris Danks, chief executive of Forsite Diagnostics has been appointed chair of an influential working party charting the future of biosciences in Yorkshire.
Added on Sunday June 01, 2008.

The Bioscience Network, managed by Science City York, will develop strategic options for strengthening York’s position as a centre of science innovation and employment.

The Bioscience Network will work alongside similar bodies focusing on digital technologies and the creative industries.  Together, the three networks will develop Science City York’s sector strategy for continued growth and employment in these key industry areas.  In the last 10 years, Science City York has helped to generate nearly 3000 jobs in the area, and the firm commitment is for more growth. 

Mr Danks was delighted at the opportunity to play a part in supporting biosciences in the region, commenting, ‘This is an exciting time for bioscience, with many new opportunities and York is well-placed to capitalise further on its already strong reputation.  Science City York was very helpful during the establishment of Forsite Diagnostics, and it is a pleasure to be working with them now to build a strong future for biosciences in York.’
 

Investing for the future
Major improvements in production capacity and product quality are the result of investment in new manufacturing equipment by Forsite Diagnostics Ltd.
Added on Tuesday May 06, 2008.

The investment is part of Forsite’s strategic plan of becoming an internationally recognised manufacturer of high quality lateral flow device diagnostics.  Installation of the new equipment began in January this year, raising Forsite’s manufacturing capacity to over 5 million devices a year.

Investment of over £700k was made to purchase three major items: Biodot reel to reel membrane spraying and auto-laminator machines; a Kinematic auto-assembler; and a Siebler-Goring foil packaging device. All of the equipment is now operational and helping to achieve Forsite's business targets.

Chris Danks, chief executive of Forsite Diagnostics, is delighted at the step change the equipment has made to diagnostic test production at the York-based company. ‘We are now in a position to accept major manufacturing contracts from diagnostic companies looking for a high quality producer.  Interest from the diagnostics industry is already high, and we are confident we will be able to attract business based on quality, cost effectiveness and short turnaround times.’

Collectively, the new equipment brings automation to all stages of production of Forsite’s lateral flow devices.  ‘The big gains are in product consistency and production efficiency’, says Chris Danks. ‘Working with leading equipment manufacturers from Europe and the United States has dramatically improved our competitiveness in international markets.’ 

Date of publication: 6 May 2008

Minister launches technology company
A new company set up in a ground-breaking deal between the Central Science Laboratory (an agency of Defra) and private investors was launched officially today (17 May 2007) by Food and Farming Minister, Lord Rooker.
Added on Friday May 02, 2008.

Forsite Diagnostics Ltd. has been created to develop rapid, on-site testing kits for the plant health, animal health and food safety markets.   The launch ceremony at Forsite’s new facilities on the CSL site near York was attended by representatives of the science and investment communities who have contributed much to the birth of the company.

Establishment of Forsite Diagnostics is a major success for CSL’s on-going strategy of managing and developing intellectual property.  The technology behind the new company was developed with Government funding in the search for the most effective tool for in-field detection of potato diseases.  Out of this work, the Pocket Diagnostic range of on-site test kits for plant diseases was born, and the potential of the technology was proved.  

A search for private investors to take this technology to market reached a successful conclusion in January this year, when a deal was signed with Safeguard Biosystems Holdings Ltd., an international company with a strong interest in diagnostic technologies.  ‘The sale of Forsite gives CSL a significant return on investment’, says Professor Mike Roberts, CSL’s chief executive, ‘and provides the new company with resources for rapid growth as an independent entity.’

Food and Farming Minister Lord Rooker said: ’I am delighted to launch Forsite today.  The establishment of this innovative organisation and the valuable work it carries out is a real step forward for science in this area.  Early detection of disease in both the plant and animal health sectors is crucial and by working in partnership with Forsite we hope to bring real benefits for these industries.’
 
Forsite is a tenant on the CSL site outside York and has strong growth plans.  The company already employs 12 staff carrying out research, manufacturing and sales of its range of on-site test kits.  The kits use innovative but simple to use lateral flow device technology which gives results in 2-3 minutes, enabling rapid decision making by farmers, vets and food safety specialists.  Part of Safeguard’s investment has been used to purchase automated production equipment to allow fulfilment of high volume orders already in the pipeline. 

Professor Roberts is keen to emphasise that the establishment of Forsite illustrates the value of on-going relationships between CSL and private sector investors. ‘Close collaboration is beneficial to both parties, providing a route to market for a wide range of diagnostic technologies developed at CSL.  We already have a range of exploitation and collaborative initiatives to develop further our intellectual property.  Forsite is our first spin-out, and I expect there will be others as our technologies are developed through to maturity.’ 

Released on 17 May 2007