Oxford Nanopore and PathoSense collaborate to bring real-time sequencing to European veterinary infectious disease diagnostics
The collaboration will empower infectious disease testing for animals with a comprehensive, sequencing-based diagnostic solution for livestock and pets.
Collaboration will deliver local sequencing across Europe, providing veterinarians with fast, efficient diagnostic workflows and support from renowned laboratories.
Combining rapid data delivery and scalable technology, this partnership empowers veterinarians with deeper insights for informed treatment decisions.
Oxford Nanopore Technologies, the company delivering a new generation of nanopore-based molecular sensing technology, today announced a strategic collaboration targeting veterinary diagnostics with PathoSense, an innovator in the sector.
Through this partnership, European veterinarians will gain access to cutting-edge molecular sensing technology that streamline testing workflows by consolidating multiple traditional infectious disease tests into one affordable and accessible sequencing-based solution.
Powered by Oxford Nanopore's sequencing technology, including the MinION device’s scalable capabilities, PathoSense and its partner labs will offer veterinary practices unparalleled pathogen detection. It equips vets with a comprehensive list of results for informed decision-making and supports rapid pathogen identification across all species.
Dr. Sebastiaan Theuns and Prof. Hans Nauwynck, co-founders of PathoSense, noticed big gaps in traditional diagnostics: “PCR testing always requires prior knowledge on which pathogens to test for. Back in 2017, we saw the potential of the MinION to change this, and that is how we started to develop the PathoSense Diagnostic platform for veterinarians and laboratories. Using our patented sampling kit, veterinarians can collect and purify pathogens on-site. Without prior knowledge, vets receive a full insight into all viruses and bacteria that contribute to the disease complex, thanks to subsequent nanopore sequencing. Based on our veterinary and scientific insights, we aid veterinarians and partner labs with the interpretation.”
PathoSense’s partner labs include DGZ in Belgium, Royal GD in the Netherlands, San Vet in Germany, Labocéa in France, and Poulpharm in Hungary. This distributed model enables comprehensive insights into animal infectious diseases with faster turnaround times than legacy methods, ensuring timely and efficient diagnostic workflows. By leveraging PathoSense’s extensive lab network, veterinary professionals can access advanced testing with local support from their trusted laboratories.
From sample collection in the field to detailed diagnostic reporting, the solution integrates seamlessly into existing veterinary workflows. Designed for versatility, it supports testing across all species, offering invaluable insights that empower veterinarians to make targeted prevention and treatment decisions for their livestock herds and patients.
Gordon Sanghera, Chief Executive Officer at Oxford Nanopore, commented: “This partnership with PathoSense exemplifies our commitment to making sequencing accessible everywhere. By enabling local, real-time molecular sensing for vets, we are opening new possibilities for the industry and advancing animal health care.”
This collaboration sets the stage for continued innovation in animal health, paving the way for global advancements in veterinary diagnostics and beyond. It further aligns with Oxford Nanopore’s broader vision of transforming global health through distributed networks and collaboration. By joining forces with innovative organisations like PathoSense, the company continues to demonstrate the transformative potential of Oxford Nanopore sequencing in real-world applications.