The Only Way is Apex
The Only Way is Apex
Global biotechnology firm Randox Laboratories, in partnership with Queen’s University, Belfast, is offering STEM and Business Management students a chance to reach the top, with a new industrial training programme.
Today (Wed 4th March), the award winning clinical diagnostics company, kick starts ‘Randox Apex’, a scheme which will create up to 40 opportunities each year, for full time undergraduate students at Queen’s.
The industrial training will see selected students awarded paid, full-time summer work experience throughout their degree, a paid placement for their Professional Experience Year and after graduation, they will be offered jobs with Randox, subject to gaining a 2:1 or above.
First year students from the School of Management; Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (EEECS); Mathematics & Physics; Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry and the School of Biological Sciences, will be eligible to apply to Randox Apex.
Randox Apex students will be placed in divisions spanning the breadth of the company and in various locations; from Randox’s headquarters in Crumlin; to its high-spec forensics laboratory in Manchester; to its flagship diagnostics clinic in London and the new Randox Science Park in Antrim, opportunities at Randox Teoranta in Donegal and at Randox’s facility in the Greater Washington area, USA, could also be available. The aim is to develop skills across the board as, Randox Human Resources Manager, Linda Magee explains:
“Students accepted onto Randox Apex will be working with and learning from the best, across a range of departments within their discipline. They might be assisting our ground-breaking research into tests for cancer, kidney disease and Alzheimer’s, they could be working on engineering cutting edge diagnostic technology, they’ll have the opportunity to experience a busy forensics laboratory, or they could be joining our business development teams as they expand the Randox footprint across the globe.
“We are delighted to be partnering Queen’s in this new programme and look forward to nurturing new generations of pioneering scientists, engineers and business leaders.”
Speaking at the launch of Randox Apex at Queen’s Student Guidance Hub, Professor David Jones, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, said: “At Queen’s we are committed to providing an exceptional student experience and high quality education that leads to excellent career opportunities for our graduates.
“This exciting training scheme, run in partnership with Randox Laboratories, will offer our STEM and Business Management students the opportunity to gain invaluable experience and skills, test themselves in the workplace, and prove they have the attributes needed to gain employment at one of Northern Ireland’s most pioneering companies.”
Randox Puts Health In The Frontline As Winner Of Prestigious European Business Awards
Leading clinical diagnostics company Randox is delighted to have been selected as a ‘Ruban D’Honneur’ winner for imports/exports in the prestigious European Business Awards 2014/15.
Having gone head to head with some of the biggest business names in Europe, this esteemed award recognises Randox as one of the most dynamic and exciting businesses in Europe, lauding Randox’s success in imports/exports across the Globe.
From its headquarters in Crumlin Co. Antrim, Randox has grown into an international success story, at the frontline of improving health in conditions such as stroke, dementia, diabetes, heart disease, STI’s and respiratory infections through earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
Every year a staggering 350 million people – 5% of the world’ population – are diagnosed with Randox products. Randox supplies 10% of the world’s cholesterol tests, and 8% of all clinical chemistry tests undertaken globally. In being shortlisted as one of ten European winners, the importance of Randox successful global export strategy has been recognised.
Randox are striding forward: driven by innovation and a commitment to saving lives, Randox currently has more clinical diagnostic tests in development than any other company in the world. Randox recently announced ambitious plans to develop Randox Science Park in Antrim – a centre for excellence in clinical research & development, engineering and transformative health.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox said:
“We are delighted to have won this prestigious award, in recognition of our key objective – to save lives globally. Our success is built on world-class, innovative products which enable earlier, more accurate diagnosis. Randox products improve the quality of life and enhance the efficiency of healthcare, saving lives right across the world. This award is clear recognition of the difference Randox can make to health globally.”
To watch Randox’s entry-winning video visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RmK_OkAMFc
For more information on the European Business Awards, visit www.businessawardseurope.com.
New €25 blood test a breakthrough in the diagnosis of bowel cancer
- New blood test will spot bowel cancer at earliest stage
- Simple check will ID cancer missed by existing screening
- No need for ‘unpleasant’ faecal screen
- Bowel cancer is Ireland’s second biggest cancer killer
Irish scientists are developing a new €25 blood test for bowel cancer, which could save thousands of lives by spotting the disease at the earliest possible opportunity. The simple check will pick up on antibodies in the blood, produced as the body reacts to the onset of bowel cancer.
The collaboration between researchers from the Biomedical Diagnostics Institute at Dublin City University and Irish biotech firm Randox, promises that the new test will be a significant breakthrough in the diagnosis of bowel cancer and could be available for widespread use by the end of next year.
Studies show that the identification of these very specific biomarkers will allow for a test which is more sensitive and accurate than existing screening. This means it will not only save lives, through earlier, more reliable and faster diagnosis, but because it is a simple blood test, it is hoped it will encourage more people to come forward for bowel cancer screening.
Each year almost 2,500 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer, with 1,000 dying from it; making bowel cancer the second most common cause of cancer death in Ireland. To address this, a nationwide Bowel Screen initiative has been rolled out to check those between the ages of 60-69, thought to be at high risk. This screening involves testing traces of blood in stool samples.
Drawbacks associated with this method, known as Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), include low sensitivity, which means early stage disease is not detected in a rapid or reliable way. In addition, the nature of the sample required for these tests has resulted in worryingly low levels of patient uptake. The new blood test will do away with the need for FOBT and will prevent unnecessary and costly colonoscopies for people without the disease.
Professor Richard O’Kennedy, Scientific Director of BDI said:
“Typically patients who experience the symptoms of bowel cancer may visit their doctor. This new, quick and non-invasive test will help in identifying patients with bowel cancer earlier, so they are sent for colonoscopy and thus treated more effectively. Survival rates from bowel cancer are closely associated with the stage at diagnosis. More than half of people with bowel cancer are diagnosed in the later stages, requiring more complex treatment, with a poorer chance of survival. The aim of this new test is to find the cancer at the earliest possible stage, when it is easier to treat, improving outcomes for patients.”
The new test will be implemented on Randox’s proprietary Biochip Array Technology detection platform. Randox Managing Director, Dr Peter FitzGerald said:
“The potential here is quite revolutionary, while bowel cancer is a very serious illness – early diagnosis leads to improved survival. If bowel cancer is found early, the growth is typically small and can be removed, leaving the person healthy and needing less treatment. In addition bowel cancer places considerable burden on our healthcare system. Stage 3 bowel cancer treatment costs are estimated at more than €45k per patient, with Stage 1 treatment €18,550 – less than half, if we can catch this cancer early and treat it early, then the economic benefit will be considerable.”
Dr Sinéad Walsh, Acting Head of Research at the Irish Cancer Society, which is the largest voluntary funder of cancer research in Ireland said:
“We are very excited by the results of this research as it will help us move another step forward in our strategy towards a future without cancer. The earlier bowel cancer can be detected the better the outcome for patients. This coupled with the ability to personalise treatments for bowel cancer patients, will contribute to better outcomes for people with bowel cancer.”
Dr. Conor Burke, Associate Director of the BDI commented,
“This project is an excellent example of the translational research agenda of the BDI and its commitment to the realisation of commercial and societal impact through innovation in diagnostics. One of our primary goals is the creation of value for indigenous Irish diagnostics companies through our research and we look forward to working with Randox on realising the significant commercial and healthcare-related potential of this screening test.”
The collaboration is funded by Enterprise Ireland and Randox. Initial work was supported by Science Foundation Ireland and carried out at Dublin City University and the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland and Beaumont Hospital. The inputs of Dr. Gregor Kijanka, Dr. Julie-Anne O’ Reilly, Dr. Barry Byrne and Professors Elaine Kay and Dermot Kenny were vital in developing this research.
NI company Randox bucks the trend in providing forensic services to GB police forces
Leading forensic toxicology company, Randox, are riding high despite a recent National Audit Office report which raised concerns about a reducing marketplace for private forensic services.
The Co. Antrim-based company are bucking the trend and growing market-share, and in 2014 provided forensic services to all 43 police forces across England and Wales.
Recently the NAO raised concerns that a shrinking private forensic marketplace will result in reduced capacity, and detrimentally impact the judicial process.
At present UK police forces can either conduct forensic toxicology testing in-house, where such laboratory facilities exist, or outsource the work to one of ten fully-accredited service providers – including Randox – through the National Forensic Framework procurement process.
Under the Framework, all private forensic service providers must be fully accredited, which is a costly process but ensures that rigorous practices are upheld. The NAO highlights that the Forensic Regulator does not have powers to force police labs to comply with accreditation standards.
As police budgets are cut and more forensics are brought in-house, expenditure on private sector forensic services have declined significantly, to around £60m a year.
NAO highlights a growing concern in the industry that if forensic services continue to move in-house this will force some private operators to pull out of the market.
Gary McCutcheon, Manager of Randox Testing Services said:
“Randox is extremely proud to be one of only 10 forensic providers on the National Forensic Framework: all 43 police services in England and Wales have used Randox’s forensic toxicology services. The fact we are now an established provider, meeting and exceeding standards, means we are a major player and puts us in a strong position going forward.
“Having achieved considerable success in GB police forces we are in a strong position, when circumstances allow, to provide the same first class services and considerable cost savings to forensic toxicology users in Northern Ireland.”
Randox Strengthens Regional Commitment with Expansion Plans in County Antrim
- £161m investment including £29m capital project and creation of 540 jobs
- Next generation medical diagnostics manufacturing facility
- World leading R&D into conditions such as cancer, stroke, heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, sepsis, STIs, aspirin resistance and respiratory infections
- Randox Science Park to complement Randox Teoranta’s #Dungloe2020 expansion
“This investment and expansion in County Antrim, combined with our plans for Randox Teoranta in Donegal, provides us with an extraordinary regional footprint, which will be the foundation of our global development and which will fuel our endeavours to improve health worldwide…”
Global medical diagnostics company Randox, has unveiled its plans for a futuristic manufacturing and R&D facility in County Antrim. The £161 million project, which includes a £29 million capital investment for the redevelopment of the site, will lead to the creation of 540 high value job opportunities, over the next four years.
Randox which leads in the research, development and manufacture of pioneering medical tests and cutting edge diagnostic equipment, recently revealed its plans to upgrade Randox Teoranta, in Donegal with a €25m investment, which would also see employment at the Dungloe site increase from 66 to 540 by 2020.
The award-winning biotechnology firm, with headquarters in Crumlin, County Antrim, recently purchased a 47 acre site in Antrim, which will be redeveloped to house a new centre of manufacturing and R&D, named Randox Science Park.
Randox Science Park, will complement Randox manufacturing operations in County Donegal, Manchester, India and the USA. Randox has a range of 2000 products, including advanced diagnostic tests, quality control sera, analysers and the company’s revolutionary BioChip Array Technology; the vast majority will be produced between Co Donegal and Co Antrim.
This considerable investment will accelerate the development of new products into a wide range of clinical needs, such as various cancer, stroke, heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders, through more efficient, high specification manufacturing and the provision of state-of-the-art R&D laboratories.
The site will also feature a Transformative Healthcare Centre from the Randox Health division; giving the public direct access to Randox’s ground-breaking diagnostic tests, as well as offering private GP appointments and specialist clinics, run by some of the North of Ireland’s chief medical consultants.
At a launch event today, Randox showcased its plans for Randox Science Park. Guests including Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Peter Robinson, Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness and Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster, were briefed on the company’s impact on global health and vision for the future.
Speaking at the event, Randox Managing Director, Dr Peter FitzGerald said:
“The creation of Randox Science Park is fundamental to Randox meeting the health challenges facing populations across the world. We are an innovation led company, focusing more than 30 years of skills and experience on delivering accurate, rapid and quality diagnostics across a range of clinical disciplines; from stroke and heart disease, to cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, respiratory infections and so on. We must continue innovating, through our people, through our knowledge and through our technology; Randox Science Park gives us the platform we need to do this.
“This investment and expansion in County Antrim, combined with our plans for Randox Teoranta in Donegal, provides us with an extraordinary regional footprint, which will be the foundation of our global development and which will fuel our determination to improve health worldwide. It is about the future of diagnostic medicine; we are beginning 2015 as we mean to continue.”
Meanwhile the first recruitment drive for the #Dungloe2020 expansion of Randox Teoranta, which has backing from Údarás na Gaeltachta continues. The company is keen to hear from those in life sciences, medical device engineering and software; with a particular focus on software developers and testers, embedded software engineers, those with backgrounds in mechanical design as well as electronic & electrical engineers. For more information on the world-class career opportunities available at Randox Teoranta please email recruitment@randoxteoranta.com
Randox puts British Biotechnology on World Map with New Randox Science Park
- £161m investment including £29m capital project and creation of 540 jobs
- Next generation medical diagnostics manufacturing facility
- World leading R&D into conditions such as cancer, stroke, heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, STIs, aspirin resistance, sepsis and respiratory infections
“This investment and expansion reinforces our dedication to improving health worldwide…”
Global medical diagnostics company Randox, has unveiled its plans for a futuristic manufacturing and R&D facility in the UK. The £161 million project, which includes a £29 million capital investment for the redevelopment of the site, will accelerate the development of new products into a wide range of clinical needs, such as various cancers, stroke, heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders, through more efficient, high specification manufacturing and the provision of state-of-the-art R&D laboratories.
Randox leads in the research, development and manufacture of pioneering medical tests and cutting edge diagnostic equipment, with customers in clinical, toxicology, veterinary and food safety markets in more than 145 countries.
The award-winning biotechnology firm, with headquarters in Crumlin, County Antrim, recently purchased the former British Army base at Massereene, in Antrim town, which will be redeveloped to house the new centre of manufacturing and R&D, now renamed, Randox Science Park.
Randox Science Park will become the company’s prime manufacturing site, complementary to its manufacturing operations in Manchester, Republic of Ireland, India and the USA. Randox has a range of more than 2000 products, including advanced diagnostic tests, quality control sera, analysers and the company’s revolutionary BioChip Array Technology; many of which will be produced at this next generation facility.
This considerable investment will also lead to the creation of 540 high value job opportunities, over the next four years.
In addition, the site will feature a Transformative Healthcare Centre from the Randox Health division; giving the public direct access to Randox’s ground-breaking tests, as well as offering private GP appointments and specialist clinics, run by some of the UK’s chief medical consultants.
At a launch event today, Randox showcased its plans for Randox Science Park. Guests including Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Peter Robinson, Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness and Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster, were briefed on the company’s impact on global health and vision for the future.
Speaking at the event, Randox Managing Director, Dr Peter FitzGerald said:
“The creation of Randox Science Park is fundamental to Randox meeting the health challenges facing populations across the world. We are an innovation led company, focusing more than 30 years of skills and experience on delivering accurate, rapid and quality diagnostics across a range of clinical disciplines; from stroke and heart disease, to cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, respiratory infections and so on. We must continue innovating, through our people, through our knowledge and through our technology; Randox Science Park gives us the platform we need to do this.
“Randox innovation underpins our achievements, allows us to diversify, allows us to target fresh markets and fuels our exports and Randox Science Park will be at its core. This investment and expansion reinforces our dedication to improving health worldwide and our commitment to the UK economy. It is about the future of diagnostic medicine, we are beginning 2015 as we mean to continue.”
The expansion includes the creation of manufacturing, scientific and engineering opportunities on a major scale, as well as business support posts; the investment will also grow Randox’s sales and marketing capabilities. In addition, the 540 new jobs, with an average salary of £30k per year will generate £16.2 million in annual salaries, representing a significant boost to the UK economy.
The company said it was already engaging with universities across the UK, to access high calibre graduates for the world class opportunities at Randox Science Park.
Regional development agency, Invest Northern Ireland is supporting the £29m Randox capital redevelopment of the site, with an investment of £4.7 million.
Vote Randox as UK National Champion in the European Business Awards 2015
Leading clinical diagnostics firm Randox Laboratories goes head to head with some of the biggest brands in the UK, as it competes for the title of ‘National UK Champion’ in the European Business Awards 2015.
Randox, having already faced stiff competition from across the UK to be shortlisted as a National Champion, will now face the public vote and are asking you to put health at the frontline by supporting them.
Randox will be judged by the public from a company video which gives a powerful and inspiring insight into the story of Randox.
From its headquarters in Crumlin Co Antrim, Randox has grown into an international success story, at the frontline of improving health in conditions such as stroke, dementia, diabetes, heart disease, STI’s and respiratory infections through earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
Every year a staggering 350 million people – 5% of the world’s population – are diagnosed with Randox products. Randox supplies 10% of the world’s cholesterol tests, and 8% of all clinical chemistry tests undertaken globally: the chances are if you’ve ever had blood taken by a doctor it’s been assessed using a Randox product.
Randox aren’t standing still: driven by innovation and a commitment to saving lives, Randox currently has more clinical diagnostic tests in development than any other company in the world.
To watch Randox’s video and cast your vote go to www.businessawardseurope.com (or click here.).
Why vote for Randox? Dr Peter Fitzgerald, Managing Director of Randox says:
“Randox’s key driver is to save lives. Our raison d‘etre is to improve health not just here in Northern Ireland but right across the world. Our success is built on world-class, innovative products which enable earlier, more accurate diagnosis. In doing so we improve the quality of life, enhance the efficiency of healthcare and save lives, globally.”
Randox will compete against other UK shortlisted Champions for the public vote. The company with the most votes will be named the UK’s ‘National Public Champion’ on 3rd March 2015. From this, National Champions will have the opportunity to compete with winners from across Europe to earn the highly acclaimed title of ‘European Public Champion’ at a glittering Awards Gala event in May 2015.
For more information on the European Business Awards, please visit www.businessawardseurope.com or Randox atwww.randox.com.
Randox Teoranta ‘decks the halls’ as part of major recruitment drive
Global biotechnology firm Randox, is announcing that recruitment for the expansion of its facility in Dungloe is now underway. In October the company laid out its vision for Randox Teoranta, its cutting-edge life science and engineering centre, which included a major investment of €25m in the site and a jobs boost of almost 500 posts to be filled by 2020.
The first wave of recruitment for #Dungloe2020 has just begun, with the initial focus on electrical, mechanical and software engineers as Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox MD explains:
“We are very pleased that the recruitment process is now open for the first of the #Dungloe2020 positions. At the moment, we are keen to hear from those in life sciences, medical device engineering and software; with a particular focus on Software developers and testers, embedded software engineers, those with backgrounds in mechanical design as well as electronic & electrical engineers.
Randox Teoranta is a next generation life-sciences and engineering research and manufacturing centre, the site of pioneering research into conditions impacting human health such as alzheimer’s and diseases of the kidneys and liver. We hope to encourage scientists and engineers returning for Christmas, to consider returning for good to pursue world class careers at home.”
Stiofán Ó Cualáin, CEO, Údarás na Gaeltachta, says they are backing the campaign:
“We are delighted to hear that Randox Teoranta is now commencing its recruitment campaign following the company’s recent announcement of its expansion plans at its facility in An Clochán Liath. Údarás na Gaeltachta, are pleased to be able support Randox Teo. in this recruitment drive. The people that will be employed in these new jobs will play an important role in the growth and continued development of Randox Teoranta. and we wish the company every success with their campaign.”
Randox Teoranta is holding a ‘drop-in’ morning, Wednesday 24th December during the hours of 0900-1200 for anyone interested in the career opportunities available. Representatives from the company will be happy to discuss the #Dungloe2020 expansion and recruitment.
For more information on the #Dungloe2020 positions advertised please visit randox.com or emailrecruitment@randoxteoranta.com
Revolutionize Routine Medical Testing with Latest ‘Super-Control’ from Randox
The FDA has cleared Randox’s Acusera Liquid Assayed Chemistry Premium Plus control for use in US laboratories. A multi-analyte control, it contains 100 of the most commonly used analytes in routine medical testing.
Randox believes the ‘super-control’ will revolutionize quality control in laboratories, saving time and money whilst ensuring highly accurate results and patient diagnosis.
Where laboratories previously may have had to use as many as 30 controls to cover the full clinical range, the launch of this new control means labs can now run QC for 100 analytes all within one control, whilst ensuring accuracy and high performance.
Randox’s Acusera Liquid Assayed Chemistry Premium Plus control is the most comprehensive multi-analyte control on the world market to date, containing a unique combination of protein, lipids, immunoassays, cardiac markers, blood markers, therapeutic drugs and routine chemistry analytes. It offers the following features:
- A true third party control, in liquid format for ease of use
- Assayed, with clinically significant values provided for a wide range of analysers at key decision points
- Available in 3 concentrations, covering the full clinical range
- Highly stable, with open vial stability of 7 days at +2-8°c
- Human-based, ensuring performance that closely mirrors patient samples
- High levels of CRP and other key proteins
John Schaefering, US Director, Randox Quality Control said:
“Randox are pushing the boundaries of quality control, helping laboratories improve their performance and productivity while ensuring highly accurate results. As laboratory budgets come under increasing pressure, consolidated QC products offer major savings to labs in both time and money. Randox shows the labs they understand the need for efficiency in today’s healthcare market by offering this type of multi-constituent control.”
STI mockumentary goes viral as STI rates in the UK continue to soar
- New STI awareness campaign infects digital and social media
- ‘Mockumentary’ promotes revolutionary new STI home test
- Thousands caught out by spoof STI and sniffer dog squad
- Leading sexual health charity praises timing of campaign as Christmas Party season kicks in
British biotechnology company Randox Laboratories, continues to break new ground, with a spoof documentary to promote its home STI test, Confidante. The award winning firm, recognised internationally for its leading diagnostic technologies, is proving that it is also ahead of the curve when it comes to promoting its products.
Thousands have been caught out by the ‘mockumentary’ which follows the officers and dogs of the STI Detection unit as they sniff out undetected STIs around the UK.
The film, which shows unsuspecting punters outed in public by sniffer dogs Radar, Frisbee and their handlers, ends with an invitation to ‘check your privates in private’ with the Confidante test. The light-hearted strategy is designed to prompt 25-34 year olds to think about their sexual health and get tested.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, said:
“So far, ten thousand people a day are watching the mockumentary, we expect this to grow as the campaign continues. For us it is ultimately about improving health, raising awareness of STIs and encouraging people get tested, we’ve opened up what can be a taboo subject and have done so with humour!
Every day one million people across the world are infected with an STI and at home incidents are continuing to soar – in the UK we are seeing worrying levels of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis in particular; we want people to take their sexual health seriously and regular testing is a key part of that”.
Sexual health charity FPA has applauded the timing and effectiveness of the campaign. Natika Halil, director of health and wellbeing, said:
“This has clearly created something of a talking point around STIs, which is particularly important in the run up to Christmas and New Year parties as we know people are less likely to think of infections after they have been drinking.
If you have sex without a condom then you are at risk of getting an STI, and not everyone who has an infection has signs or symptoms – so it’s possible to pass it on without realising.”
The infectious digital content has been produced Randox Marketing and creative agency Langland. Randox Marketing Manager, Chris Henry said they wanted something that would start people talking about STIs:
“Our goal was to engage a whole new audience of potential customers who may be too embarrassed to take their sexual health seriously. We believe this campaign does exactly that, communicating the shock of being exposed in public, but doing it with humour, in a way people can engage with without feeling they are publically declaring they have an STI.”
Confidante is the world’s first STI home test kit, to detect 10 common STIs and can be used in the privacy of the home. It uses Randox’s unique Biochip Array Technology, with results delivered within 7 working days, confidentially, via a nurse specialist, either by phone or email. Advice, GP appointments, treatments are available through the Randox Healthcare division, Randox Health.
