Scottish biotech Biotangents unveils world’s fastest on-farm diagnostic for dairy cows

Scottish biotech company Biotangents has unveiled a groundbreaking diagnostic device aimed at combating bovine mastitis, a disease that costs the global dairy industry an estimated £20 billion annually. The company’s innovative technology promises to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, improve herd health, and support sustainable farming practices.

This development follows Biotangents’ successful £2.3 million investment round led by Eos Advisory, with participation from British Business Investments through the Regional Angels Programme, as well as Kelvin Capital and Scottish Enterprise. The funds will support the rollout of on-farm trials across the UK and internationally, propelling the company towards a full-scale market launch.

How Biotangents is addressing bovine mastitis

Bovine mastitis is one of the most significant challenges facing dairy farmers, leading to milk wastage, increased costs, and the overuse of antibiotics. Traditional diagnostic methods often take days, leaving farmers to treat herds presumptively. This practice has been linked to the unnecessary use of antibiotics in up to 40% of cases, exacerbating antimicrobial resistance and harming long-term herd health.

Biotangents’ molecular diagnostic device delivers precise results in under two hours, empowering farmers to make timely and informed treatment decisions. The results are sent directly to the farmer’s phone, with options to share data with management systems, veterinarians, and milk processors.

Fiona Marshall, Chief Executive Officer at Biotangents, described the technology as a vital innovation for modern farming. She highlighted its potential to enhance productivity, promote sustainability, and improve animal welfare, offering farmers an effective solution to an age-old problem.

Innovation in action: A turning point for the dairy sector

The company’s focus on molecular diagnostics represents a major shift in animal health technology. Biotangents is addressing the dual challenge of productivity and sustainability by reducing milk losses and ensuring the targeted use of antibiotics. This approach is expected to have far-reaching implications for the industry, from economic savings to improved food security.

Ross McDermid, Chief Commercial Officer at Biotangents, noted that the funding is a testament to the game-changing nature of the company’s technology. He expressed confidence that the investment will enable the company to capitalise on significant market opportunities while delivering tangible benefits to farmers and the wider dairy sector.

Expert insights and global implications

Jill Arnold, Investment Relationship Director at Eos Advisory, commended Biotangents’ ability to address critical global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance. She emphasised the company’s alignment with Eos’ mission to back Scottish science with transformative global potential.

While Biotangents is focused on dairy farming, the company sees opportunities to adapt its technology for human healthcare and environmental monitoring. These future applications could broaden its impact across industries, cementing its reputation as a leader in molecular diagnostics.

Looking ahead: Scaling innovation

With the £2.3 million investment secured, Biotangents plans to begin international trials next year, further validating the effectiveness of its technology. The trials are expected to strengthen the company’s market position and pave the way for widespread adoption.

As antimicrobial resistance continues to pose significant risks to both human and animal health, Biotangents’ work offers a vital step forward. The company’s innovative diagnostic device not only tackles a pressing agricultural issue but also sets a new standard for sustainability and efficiency in livestock management.