Case Studies

Molecular Light Technology

08/10/2008

Wales-based Molecular Light Technology was founded in 1991 with the aim of exploiting the potential of chemiluminescence technology.

During the early 1980s, scientists at the then University of Wales College of Medicine (UWCM) developed methods of using light-emitting (chemiluminescent) molecules as alternatives to radioactive isotopes in diagnostic laboratory tests.

Chemiluminescence technology has had an enormous impact on clinical diagnostic test methods and is used globally in licensees' products. The technology forms the basis of a wide range of analytical test products which are used in a diverse range of applications from the measurement of hormones to the detection of micro-organisms.

In 2005, Molecular Light Technology was purchased by Gen-Probe, US-based leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of nucleic tests - used mainly to diagnose human diseases and screen donated human blood. Since the acquisition, Gen-Probe has invested in improving Molecular Light Technology's Cardiff plant, where 41 people are currently employed.

Kits to detect the human papilloma virus (a major cause of cervical cancer) are now manufactured at the 23,000 sq. ft Cardiff facility, and the company is raising further revenue by branching out into contract manufacturing. The company still has a thriving R&D department.

With the expiry of the chemiluminescent technology patents, and consequent cessation of royalty payments, Molecular Light Technology began to look at new methods of generating revenue. With guidance from BIC Innovation, the company developed a strategy for offering contract manufacturing to other organisations.

“We have a high-tech facility here that is not used to full capacity in manufacturing our own products,” explains Molecular Light Technology managing director, Molly Price Jones.

“BIC Innovation provided invaluable support in identifying what capacity we could offer, and to whom. Once appropriate potential customers had been identified, BIC helped us market ourselves to these companies effectively.”

Molecular Light Technology currently employs ten people in its manufacturing facility (a figure that has doubled in the last two years), and the contract manufacturing venture will bring about further employment potential for staff at graduate level.

“Thanks to BIC Innovation, we were able to generate income from our contract manufacturing facility within twelve months,” says Dr. Price Jones. “Without this guidance it would have been a case of trial and error, and our route to income generation far slower.”

“BIC were able to provide us with an advisor with experience of the biotech industry, and the resulting brainstorming sessions were very productive,” she adds. “The perception of us is of a chemiluminescence technology company, and an R&D company, but not as a manufacturer. BIC helped us to persuade the industry to reassess its perception of us.”