DNA Electronics Wins R&D Prize At Elektra09 European Electronics Industry Awards

DNA Electronics’ SNP Dr (pronounced ‘snip doctor’) is a breakthrough silicon chip-based handheld device that offers fast and accurate spot test results for specific DNA sequences that indicate how patients are likely to respond to prescription drugs. The device is now being trialed in partnership with global pharmaceutical company Pfizer. Each year, the NHS spends £460 million to treat 250,000 patients admitted to hospital suffering adverse reactions to prescribed medication. A test to identify people likely to react badly to prescribed medication will enable doctors to tailor dosages to the individual needs of patients, bringing greatly improved treatment and massive potential cost savings to healthcare providers.



DNA Electronics was co-founded by the inventor of the foundation technology, Professor Chris Toumazou FRS, who is CEO of the company and director and chief scientist at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at Imperial College London. The core technology is based upon switching transistors on and off with DNA, which has culminated in the world’s first DNA logic on standard CMOS technology.



The annual Elektra Awards recognise the achievements of individuals and companies across the European electronics industry. The judging panel said of DNA Electronics’ submission: “This was the strongest set of finalists the Elektras has ever seen for the R&D Award. The winner impressed for quality of its basic research in an emerging area of electronics design.”



Commenting on the award win, Professor Toumazou added: “We are absolutely delighted to have won an Elektra award in recognition of this ground-breaking and important innovation. The cost-effective and convenient testing enabled by the SNP Dr device will allow doctors to assess patients in the GP surgery and prescribe optimal dosages and treatments on-the-spot – without a lengthy and costly laboratory analysis. This award reflects the exceptional talent of the team at DNA Electronics who are now bringing this technology to commercial fruition.”