Scottish biotech company Biotangents has unveiled its latest investment round to support the development of a groundbreaking diagnostic device poised to transform the global dairy farming industry. The company’s innovative point-of-care technology, designed for on-farm use, aims to tackle bovine mastitis and other diseases that plague dairy cows, saving farmers significant costs while improving sustainability and animal welfare.
Bovine mastitis, an inflammatory disease of the udder, is one of the most expensive challenges faced by dairy farmers. Globally, it is estimated to cost the dairy farming industry a staggering £20 billion annually, with the average UK dairy farm incurring losses of up to £25,000 each year. Existing diagnostic methods are slow, often requiring farmers to treat entire herds presumptively, primarily with antibiotics. Studies suggest that up to 40% of these treatments may be unnecessary, contributing to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, reduced life expectancy of livestock, milk wastage, and negative environmental impacts.
A Fast, Accurate, and Cost-Effective Solution
Biotangents has addressed these challenges by developing a state-of-the-art molecular diagnostic device that can deliver highly accurate results in under two hours. This revolutionary device allows farmers to make informed treatment decisions quickly, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and improving herd health. The results are conveniently sent to the farmer’s smartphone and can also be shared with farm management systems, veterinarians, and milk processors when needed.
This rapid diagnostic tool is not only cost-effective but also designed for seamless integration into farm operations. By providing precise and timely data, the technology empowers farmers to implement targeted treatments, thereby reducing costs, minimizing milk wastage, and improving the sustainability of dairy farming operations.
Wider Implications Beyond Animal Health
While Biotangents’ primary focus is on advancing diagnostics for the animal health sector, the company envisions broader applications for its technology. Potential future uses include human healthcare and environmental monitoring, opening up additional markets and opportunities to address critical global challenges.
Investment to Propel Market Launch and Trials
The company’s latest £2.3 million investment round was spearheaded by Eos, a St Andrews-based investment firm, along with British Business Investments via their Regional Angels Programme. Existing investors, including Kelvin Capital and Scottish Enterprise, also participated in the funding round.
This substantial investment will enable Biotangents to scale its operations and conduct on-farm trials across the UK and internationally in the coming year. These trials will validate the device’s performance under real-world conditions, paving the way for a full market launch.
Nicky Deasy, a senior agritech adviser, will join Biotangents’ board as an investor director, representing Eos. Her expertise in the agritech sector is expected to provide valuable strategic guidance as the company expands its market presence.
Industry Leaders Highlight the Impact of Biotangents’ Innovation
Fiona Marshall, CEO of Biotangents, expressed her excitement about the company’s progress:
“Biotangents is on the cusp of a full market launch with a technology that leads to better herd health, much improved productivity, and significantly higher levels of sustainability. This milestone marks a major step forward for the dairy farming industry.”
Jill Arnold, Investment Relationship Director at Eos, highlighted the significance of supporting innovative Scottish science with global market potential:
“Scottish science that improves lives and has global market potential is core to our focus at Eos. Biotangents fits that criteria perfectly, not just in terms of addressing antimicrobial resistance in livestock but also in promoting improved animal husbandry.”
Ross McDermid, Chief Commercial Officer at Biotangents, underscored the importance of the investment:
“This investment endorses our game-changing technology and means we can now seize the huge market opportunity to support farmers, vets, and the wider dairy industry. The device will not only drive efficiency but also support the dairy sector’s sustainability goals.”
A Promising Future for Dairy Farming
Biotangents’ innovative approach addresses some of the most pressing challenges in the dairy farming industry. By offering farmers a tool to make faster, more informed decisions, the company is set to improve herd health, reduce the misuse of antibiotics, and drive greater efficiency across the sector.
As on-farm trials begin next year, the industry will be watching closely to see how this cutting-edge technology performs in practice. With its potential to deliver economic, environmental, and welfare benefits, Biotangents’ diagnostic device could redefine the standards of dairy farming on a global scale.
