EKF Diagnostics Appoints Luke Daum as Chief Scientific Officer

EKF Diagnostics, the global in-vitro diagnostics company, has appointed Luke Daum, Ph.D., as chief scientific officer (CSO), bringing a wealth of expertise in molecular-based diagnostics to EKF’s leadership team. Inventor of the PrimeStore MTM (Molecular Transport Medium), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-cleared and CE IVD marked sample collection device which deactivates viruses, Dr. Daum holds significant industry experience in leading teams from concept to blockbuster products. In the fight against COVID-19, more than 50 million PrimeStore MTM vials have now been distributed globally, supporting safe and reliable molecular testing.
 
Dr. Daum joins EKF from Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics, a molecular diagnostic company focused on rapid detection and characterization of infectious diseases, where he was scientific co-founder, CSO and executive vice president. Prior to this he was a civilian scientist with the United States Department of Defense, initiating and directing the U.S. Air Force’s molecular influenza strain surveillance laboratory. He has also co-authored publications with the U.S. CDC and presented his research on influenza and TB at scientific conferences worldwide.

EKF CEO Mike Salter commented, “We are delighted to welcome Dr Luke Daum to EKF’s leadership team as a highly respected and liked member of the Life Science and Diagnostic community. His extensive knowledge and experience in successful product development and insights in molecular diagnostics will be instrumental as we continue to drive the significant momentum that we have realized in support of the COVID-19 pandemic response.”
 
Awarded a PhD from the Cellular and Molecular Biology program at the University of Texas and a second PhD (Honoris causa) from Central Michigan University for his contribution to the field of infectious disease detection, Dr. Daum has published more than 30 peer review papers and holds 12 U.S. and international scientific product patents.
 
In his role as CSO at EKF Diagnostics, Dr. Daum will provide a valuable scientific lead for the research and development of EKF’s broad clinical diagnostics product portfolio and support the company’s growth of its molecular diagnostics and life science offering. “The future of EKF’s expansion into products and services that enhance diagnostic disease detection is very exciting, and I look forward to using my experience to help advance EKF’s growth into high throughput diagnostic testing centers, clinics, and at point-of-care,” said Dr. Daum.  
 
EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc, which includes the EKF Diagnostics, Stanbio Laboratory, and DiaSpect brands, specializes in the development, production and worldwide distribution of point-of-care analyzers for use in the detection and management of diabetes and anemia, and also in sports and maternal medicine. EKF products are sold in more than 100 countries around the globe through a network of specialist distributors.