Oxford-developed non-invasive haemolysis test licensed to Camtech Innovations and Muhdo Health

3rd April 2025

A novel method for detecting haemolysis, developed at the University of Oxford, has been licensed by Oxford University Innovation (OUI) to two commercial partners: Camtech Innovations and Muhdo Health.

Research from the University of Oxford has paved the way for a revolutionary new test that could transform the way we detect haemolysis – a serious blood condition that affects millions worldwide.

The new urine-based test, developed by Professor Pawel Swietach and Dr Alzbeta Hulikova in Oxford’s Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, offers a faster, simpler, and non-invasive way to detect haemolysis – a serious blood condition that affects millions worldwide.

Unlike traditional blood tests, which are costly, invasive, and require clinic visits, this test uses urine to detect haemolysis biomarkers, enabling rapid, point-of-care diagnosis.

Red blood cells are the most abundant cell type in the body, travelling through every tissue and exposed to many types of stress. When their defences are overwhelmed by triggers such as infections, medications, or genetic conditions, they can rupture – a process known as haemolysis.
This can begin as early as birth and persist throughout life, particularly in people with inherited conditions like sickle cell disease or environmental risks such as malaria. The urine biomarker identified in this test could help detect a wide range of such illnesses.

Monitoring haemolysis is essential: it raises awareness of underlying medical issues, supports early intervention, and helps guide treatment. However, current methods rely on blood-based testing, which incurs significant costs and logistical barriers. This new test offers a low-cost, convenient alternative that could improve early detection and disease management.

Having identified an opportunity for improvement the Swietach group developed a prototype lateral flow device (LFD) – similar to a pregnancy test – for rapid, point-of-care use. OUI has filed a patent and has signed development licenses with two commercial partners, Camtech Innovations and Muhdo Health, who will support this project. The test also has potential applications beyond haemolysis, including in haematology, pharmacovigilance, and general health monitoring.

Steve Silvey, Deputy Head of Licensing & Ventures for Life Sciences at Oxford University Innovation, said: “We are proud to support the commercialisation of research that has real-world impact. This agreement between Professor Swietach, Camtech Innovations, and Muhdo Health exemplifies how university research can be transformed into practical healthcare solutions. By enabling the development of this novel, non-invasive haemolysis test, we are helping to bridge the gap between academic innovation and patient benefit.”

Daniel Kirilly, Innovation Director at Camtech, said: “At Camtech Innovations, we are honoured to be part of this ground-breaking collaboration with Professor Swietach. Developing a rapid, non-invasive test for haemolysis, and other applications, aligns perfectly with our mission to advance accessible diagnostics, and we look forward to bringing this innovative solution to the market.”

Picture: Inventor Alzbeta Hulikova holds three LFD prototypes produced by Camtech for the haemolysis biomarker

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