LEX Diagnostics’ new CEO gets a warm welcome at Melbourn Science Park
The new CEO of LEX Diagnostics, Ed Farrell, has spoken of the Melbourn Science Park-based company’s ambition: ‘Revolutionising molecular point-of-care diagnostics with a step change in speed, sensitivity, and cost’.
LEX was incubated by the TTP Group on Melbourn Science Park.
For more than 20 years, TTP had been developing a series of successful point-of-care instruments across immunology, histology and diagnostics. In 2017, TTP, realising that mass adoption of molecular diagnostics at the point-of-care needed a step-change improvement, initiated an internal development programme to optimise PCR (polymerase chain reaction) hardware for point-of-care applications.
In 2018, the group completed development of a low-cost PCR system for consumer genetic advice for London-centred DnaNudge.
Following the successful technology demonstration, TTP Group invested core intellectual property and key staff into a dedicated company with a mission to commercialise an ultrafast point-of-care diagnostic for respiratory viruses: LEX Diagnostics was founded in 2020 as a privately-held UK molecular diagnostics company.
The mission LEX was entrusted with involved developing a 5-minute multiplex PCR test designed to enhance patient care by delivering clinical insights within minutes and at the time they are most valuable.
After being founded in February 2020, LEX spent the rest of the year expanding the scientific team and building new facilities, focusing on custom reagent development, bioinformatics and the manufacture of medical consumables.
In 2021, US-based GenMark Diagnostics – part of the Roche group – invested an undisclosed amount in the company through a definite option agreement. The partnership secured LEX important know-how and insight, thereby accelerating development. Later that year LEX secured capacity for high-volume manufacturing and demonstrated performance of an RT-PCR assay for detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A and Influenza B.
Last year, LEX received a core patent grant from USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) and last week came the announcement of the appointment of Ed Farrell, who has 25 years’ experience in the medical diagnostics sector.
Immediately prior to joining LEX Diagnostics, Ed was COO of Klay Biotech. From 2013 to 2021, he served as president/COO of Quotient, where he led the development and realisation of the MosaiQ platform. He also played a significant role with Quotient’s IPO on Nasdaq.
Prior to Quotient, Ed held senior positions in operations in the UK, US, and Ireland with Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering, and a Masters degree in engineering science from University College Dublin.
“I’m thrilled to join the talented team at LEX and to work towards launching our 5-minute multiplex PCR test,” said Ed. “Our goal is to rapidly bring our innovative thermocycling technology to the healthcare market, improving patient care worldwide and opening the door to syndromic testing by bringing the necessary clinical insights to healthcare providers within minutes.”
The company’s former CEO, Andrew Baker-Campbell, will now serve as chair of the board of directors.
Dr Baker-Campbell said: “On behalf of the company, I welcome Ed to LEX Diagnostics. He brings an abundance of operational experience from his successful career spanning the diagnostics and medtech industry.
“We are confident Ed will drive the translation of our technology into a commercial product.
“I look forward to continuing my role as chair of the board, overseeing the strategy of this innovative and exciting molecular diagnostics company.”
