Hyd-Based SCIINV Biosciences, UK’s Microbira Partners To Combat AMR

Hyderabad: UK- based Microbira Ltd and Hyderabad-based SCIINV Biosciences incubated at Aspire BioNEST announced a joint venture with a capital investment of about 1 million UK Pounds. Under this collaboration, cooperation between companies in the UK and India will be enhanced to focus on antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The discussions for the JV were initiated during the UK’s Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP) visit to India in June 2024. “The joint venture is driven towards effective identification of microorganisms. Microbira and SCIINV Biosciences are committed to developing a rapid, precise identification platform that is both accessible and affordable, aiming to reduce the misuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which is vital for combating AMR in India,” said Dr P Ratnakar Co-founder and Director, SCIINV Biosciences.

Gareth Wynn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, expressed optimism about the JV that will lead to groundbreaking advancement in AMR.

MAAP-IR software developed by Microbira, currently UKCA Class I certified as a Medical Device, is in use at institutions, including the University of Edinburgh, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals, Portsmouth Hospitals University, and Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada.

“In partnership with SCIINV Biosciences, Microbira will invest in ensuring our software meets Indian and global regulatory and compliance requirements. Headquartered in Hyderabad, the venture aims to also develop locally designed automation for the collection of spectra for microbial identification,” said Marianne Ismail, CEO, Microbira Ltd.