Avidin Ltd. Develops Diagnostic Technology in Szeged

Avidin Ltd., based in Szeged, SE Hungary, has expanded its diagnostic range with high-sensitivity solutions based on fluorescence technology with an investment of over HUF 305 million, half of which is funding from the European Union.

Founded in 2002, Avidin Ltd.'s main goal is to identify new small molecules that can be the starting points for drug development in cancer and central nervous system diseases. In addition to in-house drug development programs, the company provides services and products to its partners in the field of drug discovery, in the pre-clinical phase of the analysis of various drug candidates, and develops molecular biology-based diagnostic solutions.

As Managing Director László Puskás explained to MTI, Avidin Ltd. is perhaps the only small company in Hungary that has both a chemical and biological department and a sterile animal house.

The company has won funding for equipment procurement and technology development under the Hungarian Multi Program. They have purchased a FACS (Fluorescence-activated cell sorting) device, which can distinguish cells, for example in blood, by the fluorescent molecules attached to the proteins on their surface. “The technique can, for example, detect which of the millions of T-cells are the few that have already encountered the coronavirus, so that cellular immunity can be activated in the event of a new infection," the biologist explained.

Avidin researchers wanted to better understand the molecular basis of this immune process, which requires the study of several cell surface proteins. In addition, these devices usually work with a closed set of reagents, which limits the possibilities and leaves diagnostic companies vulnerable. This is why the company decided to develop chemically new fluorescent reagents.

“The main users of the developed reagents are expected to be diagnostic laboratories in the fields of human oncology, inflammatory and infectious diseases," the researcher said. “In addition, spectral separation using this technique is a rapidly developing field, so there will be a great demand for the new dye molecules themselves in the near future, so that other companies can use them to create their own reagents," he added.

As part of the investment – the cost of which was covered by a conditional non-refundable EU grant of HUF 152.87 million – a solar photovoltaic system was installed, so that part of the company's energy needs will be met from renewable sources.