Provision of Novel Technology for Detection and Resistance Identification of GU diseases

Public Health England (PHE) awarded a contract for provision of unique Kits for Detection and Resistance Identification of GU diseases to SpeeDx Limited.

The requirement is for but not limited to:

• VHS (Varicella/Herpes/Syphilis) for diagnosis of genital ulcer disease
• ResistancePlus MG for macrolide resistance testing of MG screen positive samples
• ResistancePlus GC for ciprofloxacin sensitivity of GC NAAT positive sample
• Unique software for analysis of different assays performed individually or simultaneously to help streamline workflow.

The tests will be initially purchased for PHE Bristol but the contract covers all sites nationwide. The estimated initial volumes of VHS are around 10K tests per annum but are likely to increase. The volumes of ResistancePlus kits will depend on the diagnostic requirements.

The products are based on patented technology (PlexPrime®, PlexZyme®, ResistancePlus®) and unique combination (Varicella/Herpes/Syphilis) of CE/IVD validated PlexPCR VHS tests. The contract also covers unique FastFinder software compatible with SpeeDx products, allowing analysis of different assays that can be performed simultaneously to help streamline workflow. The transparency notice (VEAT) was published: OJEU Document Number: 2019/S 181-44076; Notice Reference: 2019-042143.

The contract is awarded for 2 years with 3 possible extensions by 12 months each.