Lein Applied Diagnostics Limited (LAD) has developed a proprietary confocal microscopy technique for measuring the anatomical features of the eye at micro scale. Applications include general optometry measurements, such as corneal thickness, cataracts, and glaucoma.

As part of this work LAD has discovered a close correlation between the thickness of the cornea and prevailing blood glucose levels giving rise to the possibility of a non-invasive blood glucose monitor for patients with diabetes. The market for such a device would potentially be very large as this would negate the need for people to undergo painful finger pricks.

The company has thus far engineered a full scale demonstrator and is in the process of miniaturizing the device to the size of a mobile phone.  Early clinical trials have been encouraging and more registration trials are planned utilizing the money from the current investment.

The £1m invested in the Series A round by UPF and NESTA has also been augmented with some £350k of business angel money.  The funds will focus on progressing clinical trials, and bolstering the organization in readiness for another fundraising in 12 to 18 month’s time.

Dr. David Holbrook has led the deal throughout and serves on the board of LAD.

www.lein-ad.com