The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is excited to announce the availability of its innovative X-ray irradiated pathogen reagents service, offering a unique solution to one of the most significant challenges facing scientists today: safe access to high-consequence pathogens.
Overcoming Containment Barriers in Diagnostic Development
Working with high-risk pathogens typically requires specialised containment facilities (Hazard Group 3 or 4), which presents significant barriers to many. UKHSA’s X-ray irradiation technology provides a revolutionary alternative to traditional inactivation methods.
Unlike chemical or heat inactivation, which destroy viral structure, X-ray irradiation inactivates pathogens while preserving their complete antigenic structure, nucleic acids, and morphology. This creates a uniquely versatile reagent suitable for lateral flow device development, molecular diagnostics, and PCR assays—all without requiring high containment facilities.
“Our X-ray irradiation capability represents a sovereign UK technology “, explains Siobhan Staplehurst, Head of Virology & Pathogenesis, and Pathogen Characterisation at UKHSA. “The materials we produce have proven invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic for rapid diagnostic development and are now supporting work on other priority pathogens, including Mpox variants.”
Practical Benefits for Diagnostic Manufacturers
The service provides multiple advantages for BIVDA members:
- Cost Reduction: Eliminates the need for expensive containment facilities
- Accelerated Development: Work with high-risk pathogens at lower containment levels
- Enhanced Safety: Structurally intact but non-infectious materials
- Versatility: Single reagent suitable for multiple diagnostic platforms
- Validation Support: Comprehensive documentation for regulatory submissions
Current available pathogens include SARS-CoV-2 (multiple variants), Mpox (clades IIb and Ib), and Zika virus, with an expanding inventory in development.
Exclusive BIVDA Member Presentation
BIVDA members are invited to an exclusive presentation by Dr Oliver Carnell and Siobhan Staplehurst at the upcoming Infectious Diseases Working Party meeting on 3rd July, 10:30am-1pm at 299 Oxford Street, London W1C 2DZ.
The 20-minute presentation will cover:
- The science behind X-ray irradiated pathogen reagents
- Case studies from COVID-19 diagnostic development
- Current irradiation pipeline and custom irradiation options
- How to access materials and technical support
- Q&A session addressing specific implementation queries
This session will be particularly valuable for companies developing diagnostic solutions for respiratory conditions and other infectious diseases, and those interested in strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance through improved diagnostics.
How to Engage with UKHSA
Diagnostic developers and manufacturers interested in exploring how X-ray irradiated materials could benefit their R&D programmes can contact UKHSA in several ways:
- Technical queries: pathogen.irradiation@ukhsa.gov.uk
- Business Development Team: business@ukhsa.gov.uk
The UKHSA team can provide technical consultations, custom irradiation services, and support with implementation for specific diagnostic platforms.
Register your attendance for the July 3rd presentation through the BIVDA portal or by contacting the BIVDA secretariat. Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended.
As diagnostic developers continue to play a critical role in addressing global health challenges including AMR and emerging infectious diseases, UKHSA’s X-ray irradiated pathogen reagents represent a significant advancement in making diagnostic development more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective.
UKHSA is an executive agency sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care, providing scientific and operational leadership to protect public health and build the nation’s health security capability.
