Sintons supports QuantuMDx expansion
The expansion of one of the UK’s most dynamic life science businesses, and opening of the first commercial laboratories in central Newcastle for many years, has been supported by law firm Sintons.
QuantuMDx has created nine ISO accredited laboratories in its new city headquarters to help it develop its globally-recognised work in molecular diagnostics.
The fast-growing business has moved from the world-leading Centre for Life into its new facilities in the Lugano Building, and has also expanded into a dedicated engineering facility at the nearby Generator Studios.
QuantuMDx has grown from a makeshift garage laboratory in the North East set up by its founders Elaine Warburton, Jonathan O’Hallloran and Julian Warburton, into an international leader in its field, with operations in Europe, the United States, Asia and Africa.
Its Q-POC invention – a handheld device which can quickly and cheaply diagnose disease and drug resistance – has been hailed as having “world-changing” potential, which could help address many humanitarian challenges around the world.
The move into the new laboratories – which were recently opened by the UK Minister for Life Sciences, George Freeman MP – will allow development of Q-POC to be upscaled, as well as allowing further research and development in other fields, including QuantuMDx’s Q-PREP DNA extraction technology.
Newcastle law firm Sintons has been the long-term legal advisor to QuantuMDx, handling both commercial and property matters for the business. Partner Laura Peace handled the property aspects of the recent move into the Lugano Buildings and creation of the laboratories.
“It is an incredible achievement that the work being done here in Newcastle by QuantuMDx has the potential to touch millions of lives around the world, and something of which the whole North East and indeed the UK can be proud,” she said.
“Their move to this fantastic facility and investment in research and development is helping to retain talent in the North East, and further helps to put both QuantuMDx and the North East on the map as a leading light in technology development.”
On his visit, George Freeman MP said: “Small life sciences companies like QuantuMDx are the lifeblood of a leading cluster of 21st century life science and health technology here in the North East. The pioneering handheld DNA technology that I’ve seen today will help clinicians around the world to address global challenges by providing fast diagnosis of diseases such as malaria for just a few dollars.”
