Heather Danks Named Chief Technology Officer at LEX Diagnostics

LEX Diagnostics has appointed Heather Danks, Ph.D., as chief technology officer (CTO). With an eye toward a step change in speed, sensitivity, and cost, LEX is developing a five-minute multiplex PCR test to quickly determine the presence of various common infectious diseases, including influenza and COVID-19.

“I’m pleased to announce Heather as our CTO who will be responsible for leading the development of the LEX system and the future development strategy for the LEX platform,” LEX Diagnostics CEO Ed Farrell said. “Heather’s leadership will be invaluable as we move the platform into the next stage of clinical development in flu and COVID-19. We have an experienced and diverse team at LEX committed to the common goal of bringing our innovative thermal cycling technology, coupled with our proprietary inhibitor tolerant reagent, to the healthcare market.”

Danks is a molecular biologist with a PhD in genetics and cellular biology from Newcastle University, U.K. She has worked at LEX Diagnostics for three years as vice president of Molecular Development. Before joining LEX in 2020, Danks held various roles within QuantuMDx, including head of Assay Development, where she focused on developing a point-of-care diagnostics platform and accessory technologies for advanced sample preparation for various infectious disease targets. Danks builds on a decade of experience in assay and device development from feasibility to product launch and has lead collaborations with industry, academia and the NHS.
 
“I am excited to embrace the role of CTO and support the team in the development of the LEX platform,” Danks stated. “We have core technology and reagents capable of re-defining PCR diagnostics at the point of care. I look forward to developing the LEX platform to harness the full potential of our technology and reagents and to put a strategic road map in place to enable significant impact in healthcare.”
 
LEX Diagnostics is a privately held UK molecular diagnostics company developing a five-minute multiplex PCR test. The company’s revolutionary thermocycling technology delivers accurate PCR results in a fraction of the time and cost of devices available today. These diagnostics will have the speed and ease of use to fit seamlessly into primary care workflows, bringing the sensitivity of PCR to urgent care centres, physician’s office labs and pharmacies.