Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Abingdon Health progresses at-home STD test programme

(Sharecast News) - Abingdon Health updated the market on the development of self-tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) on Monday, announcing the completion of the 'design freeze' stage for four key tests in collaboration with Devyn. The AIM-traded firm said the tests, covering HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis, were developed under a CDMO contract with Devyn's subsidiary 'Find Out From Home'.

It said the development was part of a broader strategic partnership between Abingdon Health and Find Out, formalised through a service for equity agreement.

Under the agreement, Abingdon would continue to offer regulatory and technical transfer services, and also take a significant minority equity stake in Find Out.

As the exclusive manufacturer and regulatory partner for the products, Abingdon Health said it would lead distribution in the UK and Europe.

The initiative could tap into a growing demand for STD testing, with the global market expected to reach $145bn by 2035, driven by increasing STD cases among young adults and a lack of awareness about safe sex practices.

Abingdon said its chief executive officer Chris Yates would join the board of Find Out, further cementing the strategic alignment between the two entities.

"We are delighted to announce the strategic partnership with Find Out From Home," said chief executive officer Chris Yates.

"We have been working with the team at Find Out for the past year and are pleased that the initial set of four STD lateral flow tests have now reached design freeze."

Yates said the company was looking forward to deepening its partnership with Find Out, and ultimately launching the rapid STD tests into the European market.

"We believe there is a significant unmet need for accurate, user-friendly STD lateral flow tests and this partnership underlines our approach in supporting customers on bringing innovative lateral flow tests from "idea to commercial success."

At 1500 GMT, shares in Abingdon Health were up 8.11% at 10p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

RBC Capital lifts Centrica to 'outperform', shares rally
(Sharecast News) - RBC Capital Markets upgraded Centrica on Friday to 'outperform' from 'sector perform' and lifted the price target to 170p from 145p.
Jefferies reiterates 'buy' on National Grid, trims price target
(Sharecast News) - Jefferies trimmed its price target on National Grid on Friday as it reiterated its 'buy' rating on the energy infrastructure firm.
JPMorgan reiterates 'overweight' on Whitbread
(Sharecast News) - JPMorgan Cazenove reiterated its 'overweight' rating on Whitbread on Friday as it said it continues to be one of its key convictions, and sees the recent pullback - the shares are down 20% year-to-date - as "an opportunity to revisit the story".
Short-lived sunny spell helps boost UK supermarkets
(Sharecast News) - UK supermarket sales pushed higher in May, industry data showed on Friday, boosted by a brief spell of warmer weather.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.