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Eluceda KTP "Outstanding"

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:15:34 GMT

Eluceda KTP with University of Leeds Recognised with an ‘Outstanding’ Innovate UK Certificate of Excellence

Eluceda is proud to announce that its Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with the University of Leeds has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence, rated “Outstanding” , by Innovate UK .

The KTP, led by Associate Dr Tarun Kakkar , centred on the development of NanoTagg ^TM - a pioneering upconverting nanophosphor (UCNP) technology for product authentication and brand protection.

NanoTagg ^TM harnesses the unique optical properties of UCNPs to create highly secure, tamper-proof tagging solutions . This represents a significant step forward in combating the growing global problem of counterfeit products, with applications spanning banknotes, tax stamps, legal documents, beverages, and luxury goods .

Matthew Harte, CEO of Eluceda, commented:

“We are honoured that our collaboration with the University of Leeds has been recognised by Innovate UK with this award of excellence. The development of NanoTagg demonstrates the power of industry–academic partnerships in driving meaningful innovation. Counterfeit products are a global challenge, and NanoTagg ^TM offers a novel, commercially viable solution with the potential to transform product security and brand protection across multiple sectors. We expect to see significant growth for this product over the next 24 months”

This recognition underscores the technical innovation, impact potential, and commercial promise of the project, while also reflecting the strength of collaboration between Eluceda and its academic partners.

Eluceda extends its sincere thanks to:

Prof. Gin Jose – Technical Adviser, for his invaluable expertise and guidance
Dr. Ian Eastwood and Jack Eastwood – for their dedicated supervision and support
The University of Leeds – for their ongoing partnership and collaboration

Eluceda looks forward to advancing NanoTagg ^TM towards real-world adoption , furthering its mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions that safeguard industries and consumers worldwide.

Elevating Authentication: The Power of SecuriTagg

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:11:05 GMT

SecuriTagg™ offers a crucial, unparalleled layer of security that traditional methods cannot match. Our range of advanced taggant solutions provides the Level 3 (Sophisticated Covert) - type security with the level 2-type teller assist simplicity combined with Level 4 (Forensic Security) protection, making it virtually impossible to detect with 'simple' verification tools.

Click to download further information on SecuriTagg

Eluceda creates a simple to use test for detection of counterfeit human growth hormone (hGH)

Wed, 03 May 2023 10:30:00 GMT

Detection technology specialist Eluceda has developed a quick, accurate and easy-to-use testing solution for identifying counterfeit human growth hormone (hGH) without the need for centralised testing infrastructure.

Existing drug authentication methods tend to rely on specialist, expensive, and centralised equipment with samples often having to travel across borders, leading to lengthy waits on test results.

Rapid detection of genuine or counterfeit Somatropin based formulations is provided by Eluceda’s E-Sens™ testing device which can analyse the unique electrochemical ‘fingerprint’ of the hGH using electrochemical detection and providing results in less than a minute.

Somatropin is used to treat serious growth hormone deficiencies in children, including pituitary dwarfism, Prader-Willi syndrome, Turner syndrome, as well as adult-onset growth hormone deficiencies, but is not always readily available to those without health insurance. As it increases muscle mass and skin thickness whilst reducing adipose tissue it has gained unsubstantiated popularity for anti-ageing purposes, body building and athletic performance enhancement making it prevalent on the black market through online web sales.

At best, counterfeit drugs may contain the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) but generally this is exceptional. Normally, to increase profits, counterfeits contain a lower dose of material, have a complete absence of API and are made in non-sterile conditions. Counterfeits are manufactured without any adherence to manufacturing regulations, pose health risks which lead to an increased morbidity and mortality.

By providing rapid, cost-effective, and portable authentication technology that requires little training to use, Eluceda hopes to both improve confidence and safety in hGH use by helping to remove counterfeit drugs from the supply chain as quickly as possible.

The new technology is explored in Eluceda’s latest White Paper which highlights results of trials where its E-Sens reader, when presented with counterfeit or adulterated medicines.

Dedicated software records test data which can be uploaded to a database accessible by authorised stakeholders across the world. Other relevant data such as time, geolocation and information specific to the electrochemical ‘fingerprint’ are also logged, allowing for decentralised analysis and for trends to be identified quickly and efficiently.

The test process involves inserting a small sensor into the E-Sens reader, which is connected to a mobile phone, tablet or PC, and dropping a small amount of liquid onto the sensor. These specialised sensors are designed to be disposable and are able to detect small variations in electrochemical signal, caused by dilution, contaminants, etc.

“Counterfeit drugs are an increasing public health issue as people look to buy medicines online,” said Dr Ian Eastwood, CTO at Eluceda. “Somatropin is just one of many and by ensuring the products are genuine through our easy-to-use authentication technology we can help maintain confidence and protect the health of people worldwide.”

The simplicity of Eluceda’s authentication solution allows for a diverse range of stakeholders to carry out authentication tests such as enforcement personnel, customs officials and medical professionals.

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Eluceda develops ‘Two-Minute’ Covid vaccine authentication test

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 10:38:43 GMT

Detection and anti-counterfeiting technology specialist Eluceda has developed a rapid, accurate and easy-to-use testing solution for detecting counterfeit Covid-19 vaccines in the field – providing a practical authentication solution that doesn’t require centralised testing infrastructure or specialised personnel.

Existing vaccine authentication methods tend to rely on relatively scarce, expensive, and centralised equipment with samples often having to travel across borders, leading to lengthy waits on test results. By providing rapid, cost-effective, and portable authentication technology that requires little training to use, Eluceda hopes to both improve confidence and safety in vaccine use.

Eluceda’s solution is based on its E-Sens™ rapid testing device which can analyse the unique electrochemical ‘fingerprint’ of Covid vaccines and other liquids. When presented with counterfeit or adulterated vaccines, the reader will compare the ‘fingerprint’ of a relevant sample against genuine vaccines – providing results in less than two minutes.

The test process involves acquiring a relevant sample, inserting a small sensor into the E-Sens™ reader, which is connected to a mobile phone, tablet or PC, and dropping a small amount of liquid onto the sensor. These specialised sensors are designed to be disposable and are able to detect small variations in electrochemical signal, caused by dilution, contaminants, etc.

“Both public and professional confidence is an absolutely critical component of vaccine use and counterfeits pose a serious risk to maintaining that confidence,” said Dr Ian Eastwood, CTO at Eluceda. “Putting accurate and easy-to-use authentication technology in the hands of people best placed to detect and ultimately stop counterfeits is a powerful tool in maintaining that confidence and protecting the health of people around the world.”

Even before the pandemic, the World Health Organization estimated that 1 in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income countries were substandard or falsified*. Reports of fake Covid vaccines appeared in early 2021 with distilled water, saline solutions or anti-wrinkle treatments being sold as the vaccine**.

* https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/substandard-and-falsified-medical-products

** https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/counterfeit-versions-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-found-poland-mexico

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Eluceda’s detection technology helps identify counterfeit regional wines

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 17:07:27 GMT

The National Office of Vine and Vitivinicultural Products (ONVPV) in Romania, is using Eluceda’s covert taggant marker with a unique machine-readable signature, to authenticate the provenance of its regional wines and protect drinkers from potential counterfeits.

The ONVPV oversees national vineyard management and winemaking in Romania and supports the traditional production of wine in this designated geographical area. The security labels provide a clear brand identity for the ONVPV, which is easily recognisable on labelled bottles and products within a retail environment.

Working closely with security label manufacturer Eltronis, Eluceda provided a tailored taggant to ensure that ONVPV wine labels were protected by the latest covert security technology, helping producers to stay one step ahead of the counterfeiters.

The new labels build on ONVPV’s existing design and combine an overt hologram with high-level covert security. Eluceda’s taggant marker with its unique machine-readable signature provides an instant unambiguous response to the pocket-sized Reveal™ detectors used by enforcement officers in the field.

The Reveal™ range of readers work in hand in glove with Eluceda’s MicroTagg™ and Securitagg™ inorganic taggant materials and are configured according to the ONVPV’s needs to identify genuine wines quickly and securely.

Wine fraud is on the rise in all markets, helped in part by the growth of ecommerce. This poses significant dangers to both consumers and producers alike, as fraudsters will sometimes include dangerous additives and trust in a brand can often be broken if customers fall foul of counterfeiters.

By adding authentication technology to wine bottles, the ONVPV is helping to counter this trend, promoting the provenance of the region, and building protection against potential counterfeit through the ability to identify genuine products. Richard Burhouse, Commercial Director for Eluceda, said: “We’re seeing growth in the use of our covert markers to help protect products of geographic importance, as they provide discrete and instant verification of genuine goods for enforcement officers working in the field. “We are delighted to be involved in this project and support progressive organisations such as the ONVPV who continue to invest in security technologies in order to promote their wines and take a clear stand against fraud.”

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Eluceda develops rapid Hydrogen Peroxide Testing

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:22:44 GMT

A rapid, quantitative and portable test for hydrogen peroxide in water.

Our new technology solution is the latest in a line of tests that use Eluceda’s established E-Sens™ handheld detectors and is capable of detecting hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in water at concentrations between 1 and 1000 parts per million (ppm).

Eluceda was approached by a leading supplier in the paper and pulp industry to design an accurate and easily repeatable test method that could detect hydrogen peroxide at the necessary concentrations within the paper manufacturing process.

Our testing solution uses our E-Sens™ handheld detectors in combination with specialist electrochemical sensors to provide a simple ‘dip and read’ approach.

A key feature of our test is the sensors’ ability to analyse hydrogen peroxide levels in the water even in the presence of pulp, providing an advantage over existing colourimetric analysis.

The rapid and accurate testing capabilities provide manufacturers with the ability to be much more precise with their hydrogen peroxide usage – reducing wastage and saving costs while still ensuring it works effectively as a bleaching and biocidal agent.

“As a science and technology-led business, we’re always excited when are able to use our collective expertise to devise a novel solution to a particular problem an industry is experiencing”, said Dr Ian Eastwood, Chief Technology Officer at Eluceda.

“We are proud of what we’ve been able to achieve with our hydrogen peroxide test, both in terms of the technical achievement and effectiveness of it in driving efficiencies and reducing waste in the manufacturing process.”

The technology behind our test for hydrogen peroxide is not limited to the paper and pulp industry and can be applied to various chemical testing requirements in different manufacturing sectors.

“While this is a specific industry application, our detection technology can be used across many different sectors and different compounds, and we’re excited to build the next development for our, quick, cost-effective and portable testing solutions,” Ian concluded.

To find out more about our products and testing technology visit our pages.

Eluceda devises rapid Authentication Test for Whisky

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 15:37:20 GMT

Detection technology provider Eluceda has developed a rapid and easily portable method to authenticate genuine whisky by detecting the unique electrochemical ‘taste’ of specific batches of product.

Spirits are particularly vulnerable to a variety of issues from counterfeiting to refilling and dilution, with whiskies of all types affected. According to an EU IPO report , the industry loses ~€1.3 bn of revenue annually in Europe alone due to counterfeit wines and spirits, corresponding to 3.3% of the sectors’ sales. In this environment, the ability to authenticate bottles of whisky quickly and cost-effectively is increasingly important to ensure consumer confidence and brand reputation.

Without the need for additives or other on-product security measures, Eluceda’s new authentication solution uses its established detection technology to identify the unique ‘taste’ of a specific whisky – formed as a result of each drink’s specific chemical makeup. Results are provided in a few minutes with minimal training needed for those carrying out the test.

Samples and consultancy for the feasibility study were provided by the Scotch Whisky Research Institute (SWRI) and tests have been able to identify genuine whiskies from those that have been diluted with water, ethanol or other whiskies as well as from counterfeits.

“Authentication is a key tool in combating counterfeiters in any industry but often methods for food and drink are slow and expensive, sometimes requiring central laboratory testing, making for long lead times” said Dr Ian Eastwood, Chief Technology Officer at Eluceda.

“Our solution helps change this by giving distilleries, brands and enforcement officers a rapid and accurate way to prove that their whisky is genuine.”

Eluceda’s E-Sens™ handheld detectors use customised electrodes containing specific catalysts which react with the unique groups of molecules in the whisky to produce a digital ‘fingerprint’. Each reading is analysed using algorithms which compare the sample being tested against a database of genuine whisky samples.

Every test is approached on the basis of “is this a genuine sample?” and the algorithm generates a percentage of similarity by comparing against a standard held in a secure database. Results from across the world are reported in real-time, including geolocations of each test adding extra functionality to the system.

Eluceda’s whisky authentication solution is launching at the 7th Worldwide Distilled Spirits Conference which is being held virtually between the 6th -8th September and can be seen in person at LuxePack in Monaco in the “Digital Village” on September 27-29th, with partners being sought for whisky and other spirits to build a broader spectrum of batches to populate the database and help enforcement by brands.

Dr Eastwood concluded; “Our rapid authentication technology provides a valuable tool for brands and enforcement officers. From detecting the adulteration of whisky samples with water or other liquids, through to identifying potentially dangerous counterfeits, we have a quick and simple test that delivers consumer confidence and maintains brand reputation”.

For additional information about this test or Eluceda's wider detection capabilities, please follow us across our Social Media platforms, LinkedIn , Twitter & Facebook .

Eluceda completes £1.1 million institutional fundraising to accelerate growth

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 09:07:21 GMT

Eluceda Limited, the authentication and detection solutions company, has completed a £1.1 million institutional fundraising. The new funds will be used to build out the Company’s management and technical staff, enabling Eluceda to accelerate its growth plan.

Eluceda has built its position as an international authentication and detection solutions company serving the anti-counterfeiting and bacterial detection industries in markets such as food and beverages. Backed by its strong IP, and with operations in the UK and US, the Company’s technology delivers fast, affordable, simple to use “lab in your hand disruption” i.e. providing lab quality results in the field in near real time with customers able to upload results into databases for subsequent action and analysis.

Eluceda has received strong investment support due to its long-standing customer relationships where it protects their brands, supports revenue generation and maintains consumer health.

Matthew Harte, CEO of Eluceda, said:

“I’m delighted with the significant interest Eluceda received as part of this fundraising and welcome our new shareholders.

We have a clear strategy in place to drive organic growth in our existing markets of anti-counterfeit, bacterial detection and diagnostics and have already made a great deal of progress both in terms of creating a truly differentiated offering and working hand-in-hand with some of the largest companies in the sectors that we serve.

The markets we operate in are large, global, are growing strongly and Eluceda is in a good position to accelerate its growth trajectory with the proceeds from this fundraising.”

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Eluceda’s detection technology ensures Wella’s hair dyes shine.

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 08:01:40 GMT

Detection technology business Eluceda has provided a rapid and objective method of ensuring that each batch of Wella hair dye delivers the perfect colour results no matter where it has been manufactured.

Hair dyes use highly complex formulations to provide precise colour changes. Ensuring each batch contains the correct proportion of ingredients is therefore an essential step in the manufacturing process and delivery of the correct colour performance.

Traditionally, this would be done using a ‘dye out’ test which would assess a colour change on a sample of hair or fabric – a method both subjective and time consuming.

Wella sought a quantitative, objective approach that would measure and prove the dyes were in specification and approached Eluceda to provide a solution.

Calling on all of the core competencies Eluceda use to detect small particles and digitise results, they were able to come up with a bespoke analytical test that involved analysing the colour development across the entire visible range and identifying specific signatures for each dye colour. Using complex mathematics, a central database is cross-referenced to analyse each batch and calculate what the final colour result is going to be – all within six minutes!

Testing time has been reduced significantly and waste reduced as smaller batches can now be made and accurately validated, providing significant working capital and sustainability benefits for the business.

Importantly, the quality of the hair dyes produced across Wella’s production sites in Germany, Mexico and Thailand in now assured and perfect, consistent colour results are delivered for consumers. With all data stored in a central database, the documentation is also digitised and results remain available across the business for any future review.

“Our approach and technologies have provided the perfect solution for validating performance and results for the complete range of Wella hair dyes, progressing from subjective, analogue testing to an objective, digital environment” said Ian Eastwood, Chief Technology Officer at Eluceda.

Dr. Lynsey Godfrey, R&D Director at Wella added, “Testing is now assured across our global network and we can now be confident that we deliver the perfect hair colour results for each batch of dyes we produce. We are delighted with the relationship and solution developed with Eluceda.”

Eluceda’s technologies can detect and authenticate a wide variety of products and are used in quality assurance and product authentication solutions worldwide.

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Funding award supports Eluceda’s development of next generation anti-counterfeit technologies.

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 12:31:00 GMT

Detection technology business Eluceda has received backing from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research (BBSR) in support of its collaboration with the University of York and the development of novel protein scaffolds for use in biosensors.

Eluceda’s patented E-Sens™ technology detects small molecules, DNA or pathogens in a wide range of specialist applications ranging from identifying counterfeit consumer goods to discovering bacteria within healthcare facilities.

The Impact Acceleration Award from the BBSR will support the next generation of E-Sens™ product developments, as they focus on the sensitivity of the latest detection molecule signatures and their ability to work across a broader range of liquids and materials.

Eluceda aims to revolutionise the portable counterfeit detection market with its suite of on-product and in-product authentication solutions from its R&D facility, based at the University of York. The business is currently working with several partners to roll-out E-Sens™ and sees a potential limited only by the imagination.

Ian Eastwood, chief technology officer at Eluceda said, “Technology is essential to protecting goods from counterfeiters. The BBSR funding will play an important part in the development of the latest molecular probes and building their role in helping identify genuine products across a wide variety of different consumer goods.”

“We are delighted to underpin our strong relationship with the University of York on this project and look forward to seeing these developments provide brands with a means to eradicate counterfeiting.”

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Investment grants help Eluceda revolutionise fight against counterfeit goods

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 17:09:04 GMT

Recent investment grants from Innovate UK and Made Smarter are supporting the growth of detection technology business Eluceda in 2021, as it develops its range of innovative product forensic fingerprint solutions.

Eluceda’s patented E-Sens™ technology can detect small molecules, DNA or pathogens in a wide range of specialist applications ranging from identifying counterfeit consumer goods to discovering bacteria found in healthcare facilities.

The grants from two of the UK’s leading industry funding organisations supporting innovative companies will assist the continued development of E-Sens™ in the coming year. Work will focus on areas such as enhanced analytics and machine learning to generate insight from test data and help clients to identify targets quickly and effectively, without having to send them to laboratories for detailed analysis.

Matthew Harte, CEO of Eluceda said, “We are proud to be awarded grants from both Innovate UK and Made Smarter as they reflect great confidence in Eluceda and our ability to deliver innovative forensic fingerprinting techniques across a range of industries.

“The investments will enable us to significantly speed up our development process and this will have a transformational impact on the business, increasing revenues, accelerating growth, creating jobs and opening up new markets.”

Launched in 2017, Eluceda, based in Burnley, aims to revolutionise the portable counterfeit detection market with its suite of on-product and in-product authentication solutions. The business is currently working with a number of partners to roll out E-Sens™ and sees almost limitless potential in the technology. “By making testing portable, affordable and quick, the applications and opportunities are endless,” Harte concluded.

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BrandWatch Technologies to rebrand as Eluceda

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 11:42:00 GMT

Leading covert solutions provider BrandWatch Technologies will rebrand as Eluceda in January 2021, marking an important step in the evolution of the Eluceda Group’s market positioning by providing a single name for its global detection technology business. The rebranding of BrandWatch follows Eluceda’s acquisition of the manufacturer of security materials and detection equipment in 2019. Under its new name, manufacturing of BrandWatch’s product range will continue to be produced from its base in the US. In addition, the business will offer a wider range of solutions, including Eluceda’s patented E-Sens™ Biological Detection System.

Commenting on the change, Neil Ivey former CEO of BrandWatch Technologies and now President of Eluceda said: “This is a truly exciting time for our business. Moving forward under one identity as Eluceda provides clarity to clients and the industries we serve along with access to a wider range of in-product authentication and verification technologies, supported by knowledge and expertise from across our wider business.”

Matthew Harte, CEO of Eluceda added: “We have already seen significant synergies since the acquisition of BrandWatch Technologies this year. By coming together under the Eluceda brand we deliver a simplified message to all our global customers and are better placed to provide the portable protection technologies that will help make the world a safer place.”

For additional information about the rebrand and the latest news, please follow us across our Social Media platforms, LinkedIn , Twitter & Facebook .

Eluceda wins Development Award from Innovate UK

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 08:41:27 GMT

Eluceda is delighted to announce it has been awarded a Sustainable Innovation Fund grant from Innovate UK, the UK's Innovation agency to develop a novel testing solution that allows the complete forensic fingerprinting of a range of liquid consumer products, with the primary objective of reducing counterfeiting.

Based on novel state-of-the-art detection techniques developed by Eluceda and utilising the E-Sens™ electronic testing system to achieve a comprehensive analysis, Eluceda aims to revolutionise the portable counterfeit detection market with this addition to its suite of on-product and in-product authentication solutions.

Matthew Harte, CEO of Eluceda commented “We are proud to be awarded our second Innovate UK award, having received a grant in 2019 to develop novel bacterial detection technology which has pushed the boundaries in the Health & Hygiene markets. This reflects great confidence in our ability to develop new technologies and will be vital in the fight against illicit trade".

Innovate UK Executive Chair Dr Ian Campbell said “In these difficult times we have seen the best of British business innovation and Eluceda’s project, along with every initiative Innovate UK has supported through this fund, is an important step forward in driving sustainable economic development. Each one is also helping to realise the ambitions of hard-working people.”

For additional information about the award and the latest news, please continue to visit our website and also follow us across our Social Media platforms, LinkedIn , Twitter & Facebook .

Eluceda lauds the power of collaboration

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 08:57:06 GMT

Eluceda would like to thank MATMED ( www.matmed.eu ) for their co-operation on refining our new PCR free rapid test system for the virus SARS-CoV-2 as we enter the latest exciting phase of clinical validation.

During lockdown we were unable to obtain suitable corona samples quickly within the UK and the EU project MATMED introduced and funded a collaboration with the German diagnostic company Carpegen GmbH ( www.carpegen.de ). Carpegen were able to provide corona samples and analyse these samples using a standard PCR procedure for comparison.

The collaboration has led to a significant acceleration of the corona test technology level and we're very grateful for their help, it shows the power of working together in the Scientific Community, as well as across borders.

For additional information about the test and the latest news, please continue to visit our website and also follow us across our Social Media platforms, LinkedIn , Twitter & Facebook .

The rise in Counterfeiting: An indirect consequence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 11:51:42 GMT

Introduction:

Trade in counterfeit and pirated goods has risen steadily in the last few years – even as overall trade volumes have stagnated – and now stands at 3.3% of global trade, according to the OECD. The arrival of Covid-19 has provided the perfect storm to fuel this problem and is already having a health and financial impact.

Key drivers:

• Rise in number of online platforms for shopping.

• Time spent on the internet increasing due to being at home & restrictions of movement.

• Disruption to supply chains, causing shortages of legitimate products.

• Disruption to traditional organised crime activities.

• Reduced incomes leading to people seeking lower cost options.

• Rise in people not wishing to visit medical environments / practitioners and self-medicating.

Lockdown impact:

Desperate times often lead to people taking desperate measures and in many cases, this is understandable. However, criminals that take part in counterfeiting have proven they don’t respect laws, borders or the health of individuals and with organised crime activity suppressed by restriction of movement and individual opportunists having time on their hands, this has provided an environment that has fuelled this problem.

Real life examples:

Europol sees a rise of fake “Corona cures” in global counterfeit medicine operation.

World Trademark Review highlights challenging times: anti-counterfeiting in the age of Covid-19.

The Anti-Counterfeiting Group identifies a reluctance to seek medical care drives counterfeit medicine.

SecuringIndustry.com highlights how Coronavirus has increased online shopping, but consumers are concerned about an increase in fakes.

Social media sites like Facebook are having to remove posts selling PPE and counterfeit Covid-19 kits.

Multi-faceted approach:

Counterfeiting has been an issue for centuries, but has grown rapidly in tandem with the globalisation of trade. During the same time a plethora of overt & covert authentication solutions have been developed that can be deployed on packaging materials to combat this, with many used to great effect. When used correctly – and ideally proactively by law enforcement agencies - they offer a quick/simple check to identify major issues in supply chains and “bad actors”.

Ultimately these technologies provide authentication by association – and don’t authenticate the actual products that will be used or consumed. However, there are also a few technologies that exist for authenticating materials themselves and whilst they usually require opening the primary packaging in which they are contained, they do provide a higher bar for any would-be counterfeiter.

Of course, the ultimate test is to return the materials to a laboratory to forensically analyse materials, but this is usually a last resort – as a reaction to consumers falling ill or worse. Testing this way is relatively expensive and takes a significant time to process by comparison to a real-time field test, but does provide ultimate proof.

Eluceda would advocate taking a multi-faceted approach using a solutions-based combination of these technologies, market intelligence and proactive enforcement. As a minimum this protects the individual Brands (and with it reputations & revenues), but in some cases can actually save precious lives.

Key Reports:

Europol: Pandemic Profiteering

EMCDDA: EU Drug Markets - Impact of Covid-19

WHO: Substandard and Falsified Medical Products

Eluceda partners with ViBrANT in development of the next-generation of research scientists.

Thu, 21 May 2020 12:33:44 GMT

Eluceda reiterates support for developing the next-generation of research scientists by partnering with ViBrANT (Viral and Bacterial Adhesin Network Training), joining together with world-leading European scientists to train 15 graduate students (early stage researchers) in interdisciplinary research into viral and bacterial adhesins.

ViBrANT is an intersectoral network of nine leading academic institutions, one non-profit research institute, three SMEs, and one large enterprise – with the mutual aim that the supported students will translate fundamental research into technologies with a strong positive impact on European socio-economic development and the care of patients with infectious diseases – both during their PhDs and after.

The focus of ViBrANT is on the adhesion of pathogens to human cells, an underexplored and underexploited niche that they believe can lead to new understanding, new diagnostics and devices and, eventually, new treatments. In addition to standard work in a single laboratory, students will be part of innovative approaches to graduate school education. Each project will be multidisciplinary, international and intersectoral. They will include training in workshops, organising conferences, and the use of social media to maximise scientific impact and public engagement.

Eluceda’s Technical Director, Dr. Ian Eastwood, is helping to mentor 4 of the cohort and shares the vision to produce next-gen researchers – ones as at home in industry as in academia, as familiar with hospitals and infections as they are with high-tech and instruments.

Want to know more about this work?

Visit the VIBRANT website or follow @ViBrANT_itn

Eluceda amongst first to be granted EIC COVID-19 Response Seal of Excellence

Thu, 14 May 2020 11:54:51 GMT

Eluceda are pleased to announce that it is amongst the first to receive a prestigious EU Seal of Excellence for first class innovative ideas worthy of investment in response to the COVID-019 outbreak.

On 8 May, the European Commission granted the first batch of the EIC COVID-19 Response Seal of Excellence to 82 excellent proposals addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak. The proposals were submitted under European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Pilot March 20 cut-off. A second batch of COVID-Seals (and standard Seals) will be awarded at the end of May, when the final selection of the funded projects will be announced.

The Seal certificate, co-signed now by Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, and by Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, is addressed to excellent proposals from the EIC Accelerator call which have been evaluated worthy of funding. The co-signature is a demonstration of concrete synergies between Horizon 2020 and the Structural Funds and the commitment to strengthen those now and in the future.

#SealofExcellence, #H2020

Want to know more about this work?

Visit the link, European Commission Seals

Testing for Coronavirus using Eluceda technology

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:44:39 GMT

SARS-CoV-2 (the name of the actual virus that causes Covid-19) is a novel coronavirus (CoV) that causes acute respiratory distress syndrome and is associated with high mortality rate. SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus and uses a densely glycosylated spike protein to gain entry into host cells most likely via the ACE-2 receptors on cell membranes.

Currently, worldwide SARS-CoV-2 is detected using a gold standard, quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) provided by several manufacturers.

However, Eluceda has a test that is currently being modified to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in less than 20 min and intends to develop this detection device further to short the time span to less than 15min.

In the UK, the current testing capability is no more than 25,000 tests per day. Though tests are planned to scale up to 100,000, by the end of April 2020. It is important to note that this testing has displaced other important routine tests performed such as Hepatitis C and AIDS which will only have consequences further down the road. Also, this testing is generally carried out at central laboratories with results taking 24-48 hours to be given, during which time infection could have occurred.

The Eluceda patented technology is directed at a low cost, simple to use test that is ideal to be applied at point of care or localised testing centres. This is critical to having an effective and widespread testing programme. The test has already been designed for detecting low levels of bacteria and viruses and typically it can identify a few hundred organisms in 17 minutes. The development of this test for multiple bacteria is currently being supported under a UK government funded programme.

At the heart of the test is a low-cost electrode (see above picture) that can be printed by the million. These electrodes can detect extremely small amounts of the virus and give an electrical signal through our E-Sens reader to indicate that the virus is present. This whole process takes a few seconds and is similar in practice to a blood-glucose test. This process is protected by patents worldwide.

The Eluceda technology is seen as a platform technology that can be adapted to test for specific DNA/RNA and indeed various small molecules.

A single E-Sens can test 30 samples per hour, and with multiple readers the number of tests can be increased accordingly.

The test can be modified easily and quickly for any RNA/DNA sequence of interest by simply exchanging the primers in the test kit. Therefore, in only a matter of weeks, a test for a new pathogen can be created and distributed, giving a faster reaction to testing for new potential pandemics.

Eluceda technology is

• Extremely portable,

• Relatively Cheap

• Provide test results in 15-20min

Therefore, the set up could be placed at GP surgeries, Mobile testing centres or indeed care homes.

In short, This virus is destroying peoples lives, businesses and it is badly affecting the economy on large scale across the world, and we have a technology to that will detect this virus in 20 min.

Want to know more about our work?

Visit the link to see what our experts has to say, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQQb_bppiQ0

Superbug hunters plot UK's fastest Covid-19 test

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 12:02:44 GMT

Article from the Telegraph Newspaper 31st March 2020

"A company pioneering detection of the MRSA superbug for the NHS believes it is on the cusp of a breakthrough to produce Britain’s fastest coronavirus test...."

Read the full article here:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2020/03/31/superbug-hunters-plot-uks-fastest-covid-19-test/

LabTech specialist calls for urgent £2 million government investment to deploy revolutionary Coronavirus detection technology

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 16:18:34 GMT

Eluceda has today called on the government for an urgent £2 million funding grant to rollout a transformative technology that will rapidly reduce Coronavirus (COVID-19) detection times.

Eluceda’s cutting-edge technology reduces the screening time for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) from the current rate of around three days to just 20 minutes. Using the technology, one lab technician would be able to carry-out around 20 tests per hour meaning the mass screening of suspected patients would be more viable.

At a cost of around £2 million, the new technology could be developed and deployed nationwide within three months.

The existing screening method to detect Coronavirus relies heavily on two strategies. First, a symptomatic assessment -- whether the individual has a cough, high temperature, or shortness of breath. Second, a quantitative assessment based on quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), dubbed the “Gold Standard”.

The gold standard is complex and requires samples to be sent to a handful of nominated laboratories. This process takes days, meaning it is unable to meet the requirements for high-flux quarantine and is unsuitable for the early treatment of infected patients.

Eluceda’s new patented testing technology can detect bacteria and viruses more quickly. It works by first extracting the DNA/RNA from the cells of the sample taken and then detecting the exact match of DNA/RNA using a corresponding sequence that has been anchored to a custom biosensor electrode.

The Eluceda test is currently being developed into an automated device. Eluceda can adapt its existing technology to detect the specific RNA sequence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) within an estimated 3 months.

The cost to develop this test would require the entire Eluceda business to focus on developing this test at a cost of around £2 million but could be started immediately with the available RNA sequence of the virus.

Commenting, Matthew Harte, Managing Director of Eluceda said:

“Early detection and diagnosis are critical in the global fight against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Eluceda’s unique new technology, designed and developed here in Britain, further embeds the UK’s place on the front line in the development of new technologies that can help in that struggle and in so doing save countless lives.

Our technology is transformative. It can significantly reduce the screening time for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID – 19) from the current rate of around three days down to just twenty minutes. It means as many as twenty suspected patients can be screened, accurately, by one laboratory technician within 60 minutes. Such a dramatic reduction in the time taken between testing and accurate diagnosis heavily bolsters the ability for health authorities around the world to reduce the rate of infection and, hopefully, draw an end to this devastating virus.

But we need the Government’s help. We are calling on the health authorities here in the UK to provide us with the urgent investment we need to finalise development and put the technology into mass production.”

ENDS

Eluceda win Innovate UK Smart award funding

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 10:23:32 GMT

Eluceda has been awarded a Smart Award grant from Innovate UK, the UK's Innovation agency to deliver an 18 month project to develop its bacterial detection technology to be used in Healthcare establishments to measure for specific bacterial levels.

The project will start on the 1st January 2020 and will look to identify pathogenic bacteria quicker and cheaper than currently available technologies. More updates will follow throughout the project.

Eluceda Research into covert nanoparticle technology

Thu, 30 May 2019 10:56:46 GMT

Eluceda are commencing a research partnership with the University of Leeds to scale up some start of the art technology to produce upconverting nanoparticles. These nanoparticles and production methods produce low cost nano-sized covert particles that will give special profiles and responses to Eluceda’s range of detectors.

This work, funded by the EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account, is a step change in creating a much wider and new range of phosphor based, high efficiency upconverting taggants which can be applied through a much broader range of technologies, such as inkjet printing, that previously could not be done cost effectively.

Eluceda plan to use this technology to give its anti-counterfeit partners a whole range of potential added protection for their brands.

Selby MP Visits Eluceda Labs to look at state of the art DNA detection technology

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 09:24:07 GMT

Selby MP, Nigel Adams, visited the Eluceda laboratories, based in the University of York Biology department, on Friday 25th May to see their stunning innovative detection technology.

Eluceda has been creating and developing its ground-breaking technology for the last few years in the university’s Biology department. This technology enables cheap, fast and effective ways to detect DNA and small molecules without the need for expensive equipment. This technology enables rapid identification of microbial infections such as MRSA and sepsis within hospitals and surgeries, potentially saving lives, the NHS millions of pounds in screening testing and reducing bed blocking.

Selby resident Adam Corbally, one of the key scientists, demonstrated the technology to Nigel Adams, outlining the speed and ease of testing for bacteria and DNA. The test can also be adapted to detect for chemicals within substances and even check for counterfeit liquids such as drinks.

Following the tour, Nigel Adams MP said “I am really impressed that a UK SME can develop such innovative technology that could revolutionise diagnostics in the NHS. It is also a platform technology that has vast applications across a range of industries”.

Matthew Harte, Managing Director of Eluceda, said “It was a pleasure to show Nigel our company and how we work with the University of York that gives us access to equipment and expertise without which we would not have been able to make such key developments. We are looking to push this technology forward to develop solutions for the NHS to speed up diagnosis of diseases and ultimately save money for the UK.