Key Points:
- Biotangents raises £2.3 million to launch the world’s fastest on-farm diagnostic device for dairy farming.
- The device delivers accurate results for bovine mastitis and other diseases in less than two hours, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.
- Investment led by Eos and British Business Investments through the Regional Angels Programme, alongside Kelvin Capital and Scottish Enterprise.
- On-farm trials to begin in the UK and internationally in 2025.
- Technology aimed at improving herd health, farm productivity, and sustainability.
Transforming Dairy Farming with Rapid Diagnostics
Scottish biotech company Biotangents has announced a £2.3 million investment round to bring its innovative diagnostic device for dairy farming to market. The technology aims to combat bovine mastitis, a disease that costs the global dairy industry an estimated £20 billion annually, including up to £25,000 per year for the average UK dairy farm.
Fiona Marshall, CEO of Biotangents, said: “Biotangents is on the cusp of full market launch with a technology that leads to better herd health, much improved productivity, and significantly higher levels of sustainability.”
Addressing Antibiotic Overuse and Costs
Existing Challenges
Current diagnostic solutions for diseases like bovine mastitis are time-consuming, often leading farmers to rely on presumptive antibiotic treatments. Research suggests 40% of these treatments may be unnecessary, contributing to:
- Increased antimicrobial resistance within herds.
- Reduced animal life expectancy.
- Milk wastage and higher costs.
Biotangents’ Solution
Biotangents has developed a cost-effective molecular diagnostic device that provides highly accurate results in under two hours. The device enables farmers to make informed treatment decisions, with results sent directly to their smartphones and, if needed, shared with vets, management systems, and milk processors.
Ross McDermid, CCO of Biotangents, commented: “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.”
Investment and Market Opportunities
Funding and Partners
The £2.3 million investment round was led by Eos and British Business Investments, with support from existing investors Kelvin Capital and Scottish Enterprise. The funding will enable Biotangents to:
- Begin on-farm trials in 2025 across the UK and internationally.
- Prepare for a full commercial launch.
Jill Arnold, Investment Relationship Director at Eos, stated: “Scottish science that improves lives, and has global market potential, is core to our focus at Eos, and Biotangents fits that criteria perfectly.”
Broader Applications
While focused on animal health, Biotangents sees potential for its technology in areas like human healthcare and environmental monitoring, opening doors to further market opportunities.
Improving Sustainability in Dairy Farming
By reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and improving herd health, Biotangents’ diagnostic device contributes to:
- Lower environmental impact from milk wastage.
- More sustainable livestock practices.
- Increased productivity and profitability for farmers.
