Verdel relocates to develop mass spectrometry at Milton Park
Published on 20 June 2024
University spin-out moves HQ to commercialise disruptive technology
Verdel Instruments, a start-up specialising in mass spectrometry, has relocated its headquarters from Surrey to Milton Park.
Having spun-out from Warwick University in 2019, Verdel has leased laboratory and R&D space at 154 Brook Drive, where it hopes to develop and scale its cutting-edge technology.
Mass spectrometers are widely used to analyse the composition of a substance, identifying impurities and compounds in food, the environment and biopharmaceuticals.
Standard mass spectrometers typically only analyse one molecular component at a time, requiring costly preparation, reanalysis and storage. Verdel’s novel technique, known as Total Correlation Mass Spectrometry (TOC-MS) can analyse everything in a complex sample with a single injection, speeding up the delivery of richer insight.
The method has only been available on large, expensive academic machines previously, however, Verdel’s device can be retrofitted to existing benchtop machines, making pharma and food testing more accurate and many times faster.
Aside from accelerating drug discovery, Verdel’s kit could prove useful in analysing wastewater to monitor drugs or pathogens in a population. It could also assist in the field of lipidomics; an emerging method of quantifying all lipid (fatty compounds that perform a variety of bodily functions) molecules produced by cells, tissues or organisms.
Commenting on the move, Tim Wilson, CEO at Verdel Instruments, said:
“Milton Park has already proven to be an established innovation community to expand our network with like-minded organisations. The new connections we’ve made while at the Park have helped us to develop our technology even further.
“We’re thankful for the support MEPC has given us and are confident Milton Park will be the ideal base for us to refine and improve our technology, giving us ample room to grow, alongside enjoying excellent amenities and transport links right on our doorstep.”
Tom Booker, Commercial Manager at MEPC Milton Park, said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Verdel to Milton Park, giving them the opportunity to work alongside our growing community of biotech innovators such as Living Optics and aVaxziPen.“Part of our mission is to provide occupiers like Verdel the right environment and tailored space to attract talent and expertise, while also giving them the flexibility to grow and adapt quickly, surrounded by other like-minded companies.
“We’re looking forward to supporting the Verdel team as they continue to make strides in evolving their technological capability to even greater heights.”
