Nexsen (ASX:NXN) establishes Hong Kong research facility and expands diagnostics pipeline
Nexsen has established a research and development facility in Hong Kong that will become its principal laboratory for Asia, supporting the development, clinical validation and future commercialisation of its rapid point of care diagnostic technologies.
The facility complements the company's Australian operations by creating an integrated Australia Hong Kong innovation platform.
The announcement also outlines the expansion of Nexsen's research pipeline with 2 new programs focused on traumatic brain injury and neonatal sepsis.
Highlights
Established a research and development facility in Hong Kong that will serve as Nexsen's principal laboratory for Asia.
The company states the facility provides a strategic gateway into the US$5.36bn Asia Pacific point of care testing market.
Expanded the diagnostics pipeline with research programs targeting traumatic brain injury and neonatal sepsis.
Continues development of diagnostics for Group B Streptococcus, Acute Kidney Injury, Chronic Kidney Disease, bovine mastitis, biosecurity and food safety.
The facility is supported by Nexsen's previously announced HK$6m Ignite grant and complements the company's joint research facility with Universiti Malaya.
According to the announcement, the Hong Kong laboratory will support the development, clinical validation and future commercialisation of rapid diagnostic technologies while positioning Nexsen closer to target populations, clinicians, regulators and distribution partners as it advances towards regional market entry.
The company also states that it continues to evaluate future manufacturing expansion opportunities from Hong Kong as demand across Asian markets grows.
Hong Kong was selected for Nexsen's Asian presence because of its research capability, internationally accredited healthcare system and strategic position as a gateway into major Asian healthcare markets.
Nexsen states that the facility also positions Nexsen closer to future commercial markets, regulatory agencies and distribution networks across Asia in support of its long term commercial strategy.
The expansion builds on the previously announced HK$6m Ignite grant, which provides funding support and a pathway to pursue additional non dilutive grant opportunities within Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem.
The laboratory will support Nexsen's existing diagnostics portfolio, including programs for Group B Streptococcus, Acute Kidney Injury, Chronic Kidney Disease, bovine mastitis, biosecurity and food safety.
The company has also expanded its research into traumatic brain injury, where it states rapid diagnosis is critical to guiding treatment decisions, and neonatal sepsis spectroscopy, targeting one of the leading causes of newborn mortality worldwide.
The announcement states that traumatic brain injury affects an estimated 69m people globally each year and that early diagnosis remains a significant clinical challenge, particularly in emergency care settings.
It also states that an estimated 2.3m newborns die each year, with sepsis accounting for approximately 15% of newborn deaths globally, while noting that the World Health Organisation has identified improved diagnostics for neonatal sepsis as a global priority to reduce infant deaths and unnecessary antibiotic use.
Nexsen Managing Director Mark Muzzin said:
“This positions us to advance our existing portfolio, develop new programs in Traumatic Brain Injury and neonatal sepsis, and move innovation closer to the populations, regulators and healthcare markets we intend to serve.”
The Hong Kong facility will be operated by a dedicated team of full time Nexsen researchers and support the company's university, clinical and healthcare partnerships.
Nexsen has established collaborations with The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Metropolitan University, covering microbiology research, clinical validation, neonatal intensive care, aptamer characterisation, biosensor development, applied research and translational collaboration.
The company states that the Hong Kong laboratory will complement its UM Nexsen Joint Research Facility with Universiti Malaya, creating a broader Asia Pacific innovation network and providing access to leading researchers, clinical networks and institutional partners across key Asian markets.
The Hong Kong facility expands Nexsen's research footprint in Asia while supporting development of its existing diagnostics portfolio and 2 additional research programs.
According to the announcement, the laboratory will support research, clinical validation and future commercialisation activities, alongside the company's existing Australian operations and its joint research facility with Universiti Malaya.