FUJIFILM Healthcare UK has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Llusern Scientific, a Cardiff-based specialist in rapid point-of-care molecular diagnostics designed specifically to detect bacterial and viral infections.
FUJIFILM and Llusern’s first collaboration will see Llusern's innovative Lodestar DX UTI system included in the FUJIFILM Community Diagnostic Vehicle, with the first of these vehicles planned to go into service in early 2026. The partnership was made possible through the valued support of FUJIFILM’s trusted partner, MediWales, which played an instrumental role in bringing the two organisations together. Pictured above are Dr Emma Hayhurst, Llusern Scientific CEO, and Allan Elborn, Managing Director of FUJIFILM Healthcare UK.
Founded as a spin-out from the University of South Wales in 2020, Llusern Scientific has a clear vision of transforming point-of-care diagnostics. The founding team recognised the urgent need for rapid, accurate, and accessible testing solutions to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance (AMR). Llusern’s expert team has developed a cutting-edge molecular diagnostic solution called Lodestar DX, that is designed to provide healthcare professionals with timely, actionable insights into the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Sharing more about the development of Llusern Scientific, Dr Emma Hayhurst commented: "Urinary tract infections are one of the most common causes of hospitalisation in older adults and, if undetected, can lead to more serious conditions such as sepsis. By testing patients in 35 minutes in the comfort of their own homes, the Greater Glasgow care teams can rule in or rule out the presence of a UTI and take appropriate action immediately. We anticipate that considerable cost savings can be made within the NHS by reducing hospital admissions and quickly identifying potentially life-threatening conditions."
Lodestar DX is a revolutionary testing system that delivers rapid and precise molecular diagnostic testing, enabling healthcare providers to swiftly start targeted treatment for UTIs and improving antibiotic stewardship. With AMR causing an estimated 35,200 deaths each year in the UK, Lodestar DX can play a critical role in safeguarding the effectiveness of existing treatments. Lodestar DX provides a rule in/rule-out result in just 35 minutes, with up to 97% accuracy in detecting the ‘big six’ pathogens responsible for UTIs.
The collaboration complements FUJIFILM Healthcare UK’s commitment to advancing innovative healthcare technologies that enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
Commenting on what this means for FUJIFILM, Allan Elborn, Managing Director of FUJIFILM Healthcare UK shared: "This opportunity supports the development of FUJIFILM Healthcare UK’s Community Diagnostics Vehicle, designed to address the evolving needs and inequalities in healthcare. This unique initiative offers a ground-breaking range of diagnostic capabilities, including digital X-ray, ultrasound and in vitro diagnostics, that can be deployed within communities, allowing earlier diagnosis, reducing unnecessary hospital admissions, and ensuring timely access to care for patients across the UK, including those in remote areas.”
This MOU sets a strong foundation for a future built on shared innovation and a unified commitment to improving patient care. Together, FUJIFILM Healthcare UK and Llusern Scientific aim to accelerate the development and adoption of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies that support earlier detection, more personalised treatment pathways, and more resilient healthcare services.