A Strategic Collaboration for Public Health Surveillance
Verily, a frontrunner in precision health technology, has disclosed a substantial expansion of its wastewater surveillance programme into Europe through an exclusive partnership with Bangor University in the United Kingdom. This exclusive collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of the university’s wastewater-based public health surveillance programme by integrating Verily’s advanced testing technology with Bangor’s existing infrastructure.
Utilising Market-Leading Expertise
Bangor University boasts one of the UK’s foremost wastewater monitoring facilities, which is recognised for its expertise in environmental bio-surveillance. The laboratory functions as an essential research and development centre for the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Under the direction of Professor Davey Jones, a prominent figure in environmental science and public health, the lab will implement Verily’s innovative wastewater testing technology to deliver vital public health data. This data is essential for monitoring virus transmission and supporting research efforts across both public and private sectors.
Comprehensive Testing Capabilities
The collaboration will enable Bangor University’s lab to expand its testing service capabilities to cover a broad spectrum of human pathogens. This includes Norovirus, Influenza viruses, MPXV, SARS-CoV-2, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, and fungi. Moreover, the partnership will facilitate the rapid development of new testing capabilities, including environmental assessments, allowing for comprehensive pathogen monitoring.
Strengthening Surveillance in the UK and Beyond
Since its inception in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bangor University’s wastewater laboratory has emerged as a frontrunner in environmental bio-surveillance within the UK. By leveraging Verily’s high-throughput, state-of-the-art automation technology, the laboratory aims to further its reputation as a world-class surveillance facility. This partnership will enable the lab to serve all regions of the UK and extend its reach across Europe, thereby addressing current and emerging public health needs more effectively.
Advancing Public Health Initiatives
Andrew Trister, MD, PhD, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at Verily, remarked, “Our partnership with Bangor University represents a pivotal advancement in Verily’s mission to establish an international pathogen monitoring network as we expand our capabilities into Europe.” He added that this collaboration enables both organisations to combine their expertise in a way that facilitates quicker assay development and enhances pathogen monitoring to protect public health.
Integrating Advanced Technology with Scientific Expertise
Professor Davey Jones conveyed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Verily’s wastewater solutions, along with their broadened pathogen detection capabilities, will enhance our capacity to monitor and effectively respond to public health threats.” The integration of world-class scientific research with cutting-edge technology promises to deliver critical public health data that can serve both the UK and the broader international community.
Leading the Way in Wastewater-Based Epidemiology
Verily’s wastewater surveillance programme has set the standard in laboratory science for wastewater-based epidemiology. By providing logistics and testing services to identify pathogens in wastewater, Verily enables timely monitoring and detection that informs rapid and precise public health responses. The company has established partnerships with prominent US public health organisations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WastewaterSCAN, to track over 15 pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 and MPXV, from wastewater samples across hundreds of sites in the United States.
A Commitment to Global Public Health
This partnership marks a significant milestone in Verily’s entry into the European market and reaffirms its dedication to global public health surveillance. Both Verily and Bangor University are currently collaborating to onboard various clients, including government bodies and life science companies, for wastewater testing services and the generation of unique insights from wastewater data.