Pathology Diagnostics Ltd Contributes as Expert Advisor to Groundbreaking Medical Research Council (MRC) Review of UK Molecular Pathology Services

Cambridge, United Kingdom, August 29, 2014 --(PR.com)-- The MRC has recently published a thought provoking and comprehensive review of molecular pathology capabilities in the United Kingdom in R&D and healthcare. The UK government and research charities (TSB, MRC, NIHR, CRUK, Arthritis UK) are collectively investing £200 million in the field of molecular pathology via the Stratified Medicine Innovation Platform (SMIP).

The aim of the review was to inform funders of the current state of the field and the key areas of deficiency that need to be addressed to ensure that the UK is a world leader in molecular pathology for the development and implementation of companion diagnostics for stratified medicine.

At a workshop and discussion forum for key opinion leaders at the Royal Institution in November 2013, Dr. Madhuri Warren, CEO of Pathology Diagnostics Ltd gave a review of the challenges and opportunities for companion diagnostic development for UK SMEs & the opportunities for digital pathology in healthcare - in a session with industry speakers from Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Philips Healthcare.

The results of the review highlighted three main challenges to the improvement of companion diagnostics research and development and healthcare services – lack of a clear development plan for companion diagnostics; a fragmented landscape of capabilities between academia, industry and the NHS; and the growing complexity of multiplexed companion diagnostics tests and platforms.

Pathology Diagnostics Ltd applauds the recommendations, including the development of a clear roadmap for companion diagnostics development in the UK and the development of a skills base in molecular pathology in the UK. The latter is of great importance due to the pathological decline of clinical academic pathologists in the UK and the lack of this skill set in organisations engaged in companion diagnostics development in the UK.

Pathology Diagnostics Ltd is committed to the development of these skills in its own staff and, as a result, our team consists of an excellent hub of UK expertise to biotech pharmaceutical and companion diagnostics clients. Pathology Diagnostics Ltd continually strives to be at the forefront of training its staff to be experts in molecular pathology for industry R&D - including companion diagnostics development – and are proud to be showcased as industry thought leaders in collaboration with esteemed organisations such as the MRC.