Scotland’s Public Health Minister visit

genedrive plc (AIM: GDR), the point of care pharmacogenetic testing company, is pleased to note that the Genedrive® MT-RNR1 ID Kit, which reduces the risk of deafness in newborn babies is being introduced by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde ("NHSGGC") in September 2025 as part of the national rollout funded by the Scottish Government (Genetic test to prevent hearing loss in newborns to begin national rollout in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde - NHSGGC).

The Genedrive® MT-RNR1 ID Kit will start being used for babies requiring antibiotic treatment for infections within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Hospital for Children ("RHC") in Glasgow next month, with the Royal Alexandra Hospital and Princess Royal Maternity Hospital to follow soon after.

It will be rolled out to all territorial health boards with neonatal units over the next 18 months. The initiative follows an assessment by the Chief Scientist Office funded Accelerated National Innovation Adoption ("ANIA") pathway, led by the Centre for Sustainable Delivery ("CfSD"), and a Programme for Government commitment from the Scottish Government to provide £0.8m to support national adoption.

It follows the ongoing UK-wide PALOH (Pharmacogenetics to Avoid Loss of Hearing) programme and assessment by the Scottish Health Technologies Group.

Scotland's Public Health Minister Jenni Minto visited the RHC neonatal unit to meet clinicians and representatives from the West of Scotland Innovation Hub ("WoSIH"), who have played a leading role in bringing the innovation to Scotland. Ms Minto also discussed the planned national rollout with members of the CfSD and once fully implemented, it is anticipated that more than 3,000 newborn babies would be tested during the first year.

Dr Gino Miele, CEO of genedrive plc, said: "We are proud that NHS Scotland has sought to implement our interventional rapid genetic test nationally, ensuring over time that it is available to neonates across Scotland who might otherwise be at risk of hearing loss. We look forward to working closely with CfSD, ANIA and individual sites to implement this into standard clinical practice throughout Scotland".

Dr Helen McDevitt, Consultant Neonatologist with NHSGGC and clinical lead for the PALOH-UK study at the RHC, said: "The introduction of this point-of-care genetic testing for newborn babies requiring antibiotic treatment for bacterial infection is a landmark moment for neonatal care in Scotland. By introducing this test, we are taking a vital step in preventing avoidable hearing loss in newborns and ensuring safer, more personalised treatment. We were pleased to meet Public Health Minister Jenni Minto today to discuss the rollout of this test, which will have a hugely positive impact on the lives of many people. Through our adoption of this test, NHSGGC will also be able to provide real-work data to support NICE in order to help inform its national guidance."

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: "I am delighted that the Scottish Government is funding the rollout of this test across all of Scotland's neonatal units over the next 18 months. I want to thank the hardworking staff at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Glasgow who I met yesterday and who showed me a demonstration of the genetic test for newborn babies. NHS reform in Scotland will be accelerated by scientific and technological innovation, and this Government is committed to supporting Scotland's excellent research base and adopting novel, evidence-proven approaches to drive further improvements for patients."

Katie Cuthbertson, National Associate Director of the Centre for Sustainable Delivery, said: "We are delighted to support the rapid adoption of this pioneering genetic test through the ANIA pathway. This test will help prevent avoidable hearing loss and improved outcomes for families across Scotland, and represents a major step forward in delivering safer, more personalised care for newborns. We are excited to continue to collaborate with Boards and clinicians across NHS Scotland, to ensure we remain at the forefront of innovative, precision medicine and sustainable healthcare transformation."