Biotangents secures investment to transform dairy farming with rapid diagnostics

On November 28, 2024, Biotangents, a Scottish biotech company founded in 2015, announced its latest investment round of £2.3 million aimed at revolutionizing the dairy farming industry. This investment, led by Eos and British Business Investments through their Regional Angels Programme, will fund on-farm trials across the UK and internationally. Biotangents has developed a point-of-care diagnostic device that allows farmers to quickly identify diseases in dairy cows, addressing critical issues like bovine mastitis, which costs the global dairy industry approximately £20 billion annually. The company’s innovative technology is designed to overcome the lengthy diagnostic processes that currently compel farmers to increase their use of antibiotics, a practice that can lead to antimicrobial resistance in livestock. With estimates suggesting that antibiotics are unnecessary in up to 40% of cases, this technology has the potential to enhance herd health, reduce environmental impacts, and improve overall productivity within the industry. This approach not only has implications for animal health but could also extend to areas such as human healthcare and environmental monitoring. Fiona Marshall, CEO of Biotangents, expressed that they are on the verge of a full market launch, which signifies a notable step forward for better animal husbandry and sustainability in agriculture. The investment is expected to support farmers, veterinarians, and milk processors by delivering timely and relevant health information directly to farmers, who can integrate this data into their management systems. The company's commitment to advancing technology demonstrates its potential to reshape agricultural practices and address persistent challenges in the industry. As Biotangents prepares for on-farm trials starting in 2025, the implications of their breakthrough technology extend beyond productivity and cost-saving measures. This development is seen as a critical move towards sustainability within the dairy sector, responding to growing concerns over antibiotic resistance and the urgent need for better health management strategies in livestock. It reflects a broader trend in agritech, where innovative solutions are being sought to enhance efficiency while aligning with environmental sustainability goals.