We have helped the company Upfront Diagnostics secure £500,000 funding to collect real-world evidence on their technology for detecting severe stroke.

In collaboration with the Newcastle University Stroke Research Group, we supported Upfront Diagnostics‘ successful application for a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Healthcare Phase 3 award. We will use the funding to collect real-world evidence on Upfront Diagnostics’ innovation across ambulance and hospital services. This will hopefully accelerate the uptake of Upfront Diagnostics’ technology by the NHS. Long-term partners on this project also include Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Northumbria University, North East Ambulance Service and Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria.

Stroke care and LVOne

Upfront Diagnostics has identified two blood molecules for detecting Large Vessel Occlusion (LVO) stroke which tends to be more severe than other types of stroke. In collaboration with the Newcastle University Stroke Research Group, we helped the company to secure SBRI Phase 1 and 2 funding to develop “LVOne”, a lateral flow blood test which measures these molecules. The company has designed the test to be used in ambulances so hopefully patients experiencing an LVO stroke can be identified early and taken directly to specialist centres. This could allow patients faster access to vital treatment.

We recently evaluated the accuracy of their test in a real-world population of 609 patients across six large stroke services. With our support, the company obtained a UKCA mark for the test in 2024.

Research plans

To promote adoption of the test by the NHS, the 12-month SBRI Phase 3 project will focus on three key areas:

• Examining the accuracy of the technology, in an ambulance, for identifying patients who should receive treatment
• Identifying any challenges to implementing the technology in the real world
• Exploring the benefits to patients and NHS services of using the test

We will help with the design and analysis of the clinical and health economic studies. Our insight panel and Public Partnerships Manager will also support the patient and public involvement plans for the project.

Gonzalo Ladreda, CEO of Upfront Diagnostics, said:

“We are delighted to have received this funding from SBRI Healthcare. This award is a huge step towards transforming stroke care and ensuring timely treatment for those in need.”

Upfront Diagnostics announce funding

More about the competition and the full list of funded projects

More about this collaboration

[Photography by Ian Taylor on Unsplash]