LotusDx has established a research and development laboratory in Aberdeen as it advances development of at-home diagnostic tests for sexually transmitted infections.

LotusDx has opened a dedicated research and development laboratory at ONE BioHub in Aberdeen, marking a milestone in the company’s efforts to develop at-home diagnostic tests for sexually transmitted infections.

The Glasgow-founded medtech company is developing diagnostic kits designed to enable users to test for common sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhoea, without attending a clinic or sending samples to a laboratory.

The new facility, located within the Foresterhill Health Campus, will support product development, clinical validation activities and future commercialisation plans.

LotusDx selected ONE BioHub to access laboratory infrastructure and specialist support within the region’s life sciences ecosystem. The location also provides opportunities to engage with NHS Grampian, clinicians and researchers as the company progresses development of its diagnostic platform.

Current testing pathways for sexually transmitted infections can involve delays in diagnosis and treatment, while concerns around privacy and stigma may discourage some individuals from seeking testing. LotusDx aims to address these challenges through at-home testing kits linked to a digital platform that delivers results directly to users.

The company said its app will also connect users with healthcare professionals, pharmacies and support services to help facilitate access to treatment and advice where required.

Ali T, chief executive officer and co-founder of LotusDx, said: “When I first visited ONE BioHub, I immediately felt it was the right place for LotusDx. The quality of the lab space, infrastructure and wider support environment made a strong impression, and I could clearly see its potential to support our long-term growth, including future manufacturing ambitions.”

He added: “While we had originally expected to make this move after our first funding round, the support of the University of Glasgow, the STAC programme and the team at ONE enabled us to establish our R&D base sooner.”

ONE BioHub serves as a life sciences innovation centre for North East Scotland, providing laboratory space, business support and access to academic, clinical and commercial networks for emerging companies.

The organisation also works with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to deliver entrepreneurship programmes aimed at supporting life sciences founders. LotusDx previously participated in one of these programmes and secured six months of complimentary workspace following a bootcamp competition.

Deborah O’Neil, chair of ONE Life Sciences and BioAberdeen, said: “We are delighted to welcome LotusDx to ONE BioHub as their commitment to providing better solutions for sexual health will address barriers in existing approaches and bring new expertise to our growing community.”

She added: “Ali and team are a perfect fit not only with our entrepreneurial ecosystem, but also with the region’s R&D strengths in infectious disease and diagnostic product development and commercialisation.”

The move comes as demand continues to grow for decentralised healthcare solutions and home-based diagnostic testing, areas that have attracted increasing investment since the pandemic accelerated adoption of remote healthcare technologies.