UmanDiagnostics expands to meet demand

UmanDiagnostics is experiencing growing pains and is expanding its current premises in Umeå.
“We have very efficient premises that we are extremely satisfied with, and this expansion will enable us to increase productivity and deliver more products to the market”, says Niklas Norgren, Vice President and Managing Director at UmanDiagnostics.

UmanDiagnostics was founded in 2006 by Niklas Norgren and Torgny Stigbrand. The company works with nerve damage markers and the protein Neurofilament light (NFL) to more easily identify and diagnose neurological diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, ALS and Alzheimer's disease. A year ago UmanDiagnostics released a new product – the NF-light™ Serum ELISA – that is predicted to revolutionize research.

“When identifying neurological diseases such as ALS and Alzheimer's disease or following a disease’s progression, a spinal fluid sample must be taken from the patient, which can be painful and involve a certain degree of risk. With our new product a simple blood test is enough”, explains Niklas Norgren.

The product is currently classified as a ‘Research Use Only’ product, which means it can only be used for research purposes.

UmanDiagnostics enjoys strong demand for its products. In order to increase sales it is now expanding its premises at Tvistevägen 48 by 180 square meters (to a total of approx 630 sqm), which will provide opportunities for expanded storage and the packaging of finished products.

“The biggest benefit of this expansion is that we get more cold storage. It's difficult to scale up the production side if you do not have sufficient storage capacity, but with this expansion, we also get a safe backup solution if any of the refrigerators stop working”, says Niklas Norgren, who continues:

“It also means we will improve our production routines from component to final product”.

UmanDiagnostics currently employs nine members of staff and expects to increase sales in the years to come. Niklas Norgren predicts that UmanDiagnostics will outgrow its current premises within three years, but worries there is a lack of suitable premises for growing life science companies in Umeå.

“The truth is that there are very limited laboratory facilities in Umeå. We absolutely need more, above all for smaller companies that are not prepared or able to make huge investments but need a ‘middle-ground’ solution. This is a crucial issue for the life science industry locally”, he concludes.

For further information, please contact:
Niklas Norgren, VP & Managing director at UmanDiagnostics
nnorgren@quanterix.com
090-77 78 80

About UmanDiagnostics:
UmanDiagnostics is committed to delivering fast and accurate diagnosis of neurological diseases. The company develops and markets valuable tools for early detection of diseases. The company was founded in 2006 and since then has focused on diseases affecting the nervous system such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.