What test, where and why?

Over 110 delegates from over 50 organisations delved into the world of diagnostic development and evaluation in interactive sessions delivered by the NIHR Newcastle MIC and North East Innovation Lab.

As part of the 2023 Diagnostics North East Conference, attendees became a patient, GP, Urologist, Commissioner, Developer or Laboratory Scientist. In their groups, attendees identified key priorities and the factors that might influence them when developing and evaluating a new diagnostic for prostate cancer. Each table also chose their ideal test for prostate cancer from three hypothetical tests.

Key Findings

Vital to identify the key benefits of a new diagnostic against the current tests on the market, such as quicker turnaround time and value for money
Developers need to generate evidence to demonstrate the test’s accuracy, safety and usability to ensure it gains regulatory approval
Requirements are dependent on where the test fits in the care pathway
Important to consider aspects such as the cost of manufacturing the test and the market size, to ensure that there’s a viable route to market
Most groups preferred the quickest, less invasive, test that would take place in a GP surgery or Pharmacy
Some groups suggested a two-step process so patients could have a second more sensitive and expensive test if necessary

Amanda Winter from the North East Innovation Lab (NEIL) and Tim Hicks from the NIHR Newcastle MIC led the workshops and shared their experiences. They emphasised that it can be challenging to choose what characteristics to prioritise when making decisions on a new test. They mentioned the need for lots of evidence before a decision maker is confident to adopt and use a new test. Amanda and Tim also highlighted the support the NEIL and NIHR Newcastle MIC can offer to diagnostics developers as they generate this evidence.

Feedback from the session was very positive with 100% respondents rating the session as excellent or very good:

“This was a really great interactive workshop. Everything about it was good.” Geoff Hale – Chief Executive Officer at mAbsolve.

“It really couldn’t be improved. Enjoyable and interesting.” Paul Marshall – Chief Executive Officer at Rapid Fluidics Ltd.

“I thought it was excellent – well organised , relevant and interactive.” Marianne Ismail – Chief Executive Officer at Microbira Ltd.

“Fantastic example to educate and spark debate on the constraints and compromises when taking a test to market.” Anna Cornfield – Client Partnerships Lead at Ambit, a Life Sciences Talent Consultancy.

Read more about the session and the Diagnostics North East Conference 2023