Laboratory scientist’s career kickstarted at Vetsina

Vetsina has utilised the UK government’s Kickstart Scheme to partially fund the appointment of a new Laboratory Scientist, Brandon Shek, to help its team in developing innovative animal health diagnostics for veterinary use.

“Brandon has an honours degree in Biotechnology from the University of Edinburgh and undertook a year-long master’s research project in Clinical Veterinary Sciences, but was waiting for his first opportunity to apply his knowledge in a commercial setting,” says Simon Wheeler, Vetsina Chief Executive Officer. “As we approach our company’s first birthday in July, the Kickstart Scheme funding provided a valuable opportunity both to strengthen our team and give an outstanding candidate a gateway into the industry.”

Brandon Shek’s honours degree research project focused on characterizing the effects of Tenascin C in Inflammatory Bowel Disease using a mouse model. Aiming to build on a foundation of knowledge from biotechnology and expand his technical expertise, he then undertook a year-long master’s research project in Clinical Veterinary Sciences at the Roslin Institute as part of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences, investigating genetic influences on the development of feline tooth resorption.

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Editor’s notes:

About Vetsina Animal Diagnostics

Vetsina Animal Diagnostics has been established to maximise the impact of a revolutionary chemical-based system for detecting nucleic acids and single nucleotide polymorphisms, for the development of simple, fast, accurate & cost-effective products for PCR-free detection of microRNAs in human medicine, by applying it to animal health.

Vetsina will also research the animal diagnostics arena to focus on targets based on market need, technical feasibility and the development of a balanced portfolio.

It was founded by Roslin Technologies and Destina Genomics.

About Roslin Technologies

Roslin Technologies is a technology commercialisation company based at Easter Bush Campus, at the centre of the largest concentration of animal science expertise in Europe. The company was created to develop commercial opportunities from the research, know-how, capabilities and intellectual property of The Roslin Institute and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

Roslin Technologies develop and supply products and services to industry, as well as providing opportunities for investors looking to capitalise on the growing demand for food and agricultural products. For additional information, visit www.roslintech.com.

About Destina Genomics

Destina Genomics Ltd is a biotech company founded in Edinburgh in 2011 by Hugh Ilyine, Juan J. Diaz-Mochon and Mark Bradley. In July 2012, a Spanish subsidiary Destina Genomica S.L. was created with the goal to accelerate a long-term growth plan. The company is focused on the application and validation of its patented state-of-the-art technologies. For additional information, visit https://destinagenomics.com/

For more information contact Mike Keeler (mike.keeler@garnettkeeler.com) or Alistair Moses
(alistair.moses@garnettkeeler.com) at Garnett Keeler PR on +44 (0)20 8647 4467.

VAD/018/21


About Vetsina

Vetsina Animal Diagnostics has been established to maximise the impact of a revolutionary chemical-based system for detecting nucleic acids and single nucleotide polymorphisms, for the development of simple, fast, accurate & cost-effective products for PCR-free detection of microRNAs in human medicine, by applying it to animal health.

Vetsina will also research the animal diagnostics arena to focus on targets based on market need, technical feasibility and the development of a balanced portfolio.

It was founded by Roslin Technologies and Destina Genomics.


Contacts

Mike Keeler, Garnett Keeler PR
+44 (0)20 8647 4467
mike.keeler@garnettkeeler.com
Alistair Moses, Garnett Keeler PR
+44 (0)20 8647 4467
alistair.moses@garnettkeeler.com
Vetsina
Vetsina Animal Diagnostics Limited
Roslin Innovation Centre
The University of Edinburgh
Easter Bush Campus
Midlothian
EH25 9RG