Nexsen Limited (ASX:NXN) strengthens global clinical adoption potential with strategic board appointment

Nexsen Limited has reinforced its clinical and regulatory foundations with the Board appointment of internationally recognised surgeon-scientist Professor Shekhar Kumta as Non-Executive Director.

The move comes at a critical point in the Company’s growth as its GBS Rapid Sensor progresses through clinical validation toward international market entry in 2H CY2026 and expanding Kidney Function Diagnostics suite reaching key development milestones.

The appointment anchors Nexsen’s push into major global health systems where the Company’s suite of rapid point-of-care diagnostics are addressing the heightened need for faster and decentralised testing.  

Highlights  

• International surgeon-scientist Board appointed
• More than 45 years in senior clinical and academic roles
• Access to Hong Kong,Indiaand NHS-linked UK healthcare networks  
• Supports advancement of the GBS Rapid Sensor and Kidney Function Diagnostics suite
• Enhances regulatory pathways including preparation for FDA 510(k) engagement
• Strengthens clinical partnerships and early adopter access

Professor Kumta brings more than 45-years of experience across Australia and Hong Kong, including senior faculty, governance and medical leadership roles at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital and The Northern Hospital in Victoria.

Nexsen emphasises that his appointment significantly enhances its clinical, regulatory and commercial capability as the Company advances its diagnostic technologies through validation stages and prepares for engagement with global regulators such as the US FDA.

His background provides immediate access to substantial networks across the public and private hospital systems of Hong Kong, as well as longstanding clinical and academic ties within NHS-linked institutions in the United Kingdom, which remain influential in shaping clinical guidelines, health technology assessment and procurement decisions. 

Professor Kumta said in the ASX release,  

“Having worked across global health systems for nearly 5 decades, I have never seen a solution for quickly diagnosing time-critical diseases like Nexsen’s suite of point-of-care diagnostics.” 

The statement underscores the scale of the clinical challenge that Nexsen is targeting with its rapid diagnostics platform, particularly in maternal health where Group B Streptococcus continues to represent a recognised unmet clinical need.

The Company notes that delayed diagnosis increases risk for mothers and newborns and adds pressure to healthcare systems, while the emerging Kidney Function Diagnostics suite is aimed at detection and monitoring in Acute Kidney Injury and Chronic Kidney Disease. 

Nexsen’s diagnostics platform is being developed to support decentralised diagnostic decisions in acute and chronic settings, with the Company outlining its goal becoming a global leader in rapid point-of-care diagnostics, ensuring that every person benefits from a Nexsen test in their life.

The appointment of Professor Kumta aligns with the need for senior clinical guidance as Nexsen approached its regulatory filings for the GBS Rapid Sensor and advances its development pathway for Kidney Function Diagnostics.

The Company highlights that his international influence and experience integrating medical technologies into clinical practice strengthen its ability to scale, establish evaluation sites and support early adopter hospital onboarding. 

The Company has set out a sequence of upcoming milestones that include clinical trial progress for the GBS Rapid Test, further development across the Kidney Function Diagnostics suite, advancement of regulatory assessments in international markets, manufacturing scale up, early commercial discussions and additional Advisory Board enhancements. 

In the broader context of global healthcare, diagnostic platforms that combine speed, accuracy and point of care functionality continue to attract attention from clinicians and health administrators seeking to reduce diagnostic delays and improve efficiency.

Nexsen’s appointment of a senior clinical figure with global experience positions the Company to navigate its next phase of growth and broader ambition to be a global leader in rapid point-of-care diagnostics.

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