InsituGen Limited, a promising new start-up incorporated in 2020, has developed proprietary assay technology to enable rapid and accurate detection of anabolic drugs including “designer” drugs that have not been previously characterised.  The assays are highly sensitive and specific, quick and simple to use enabling biological samples such as plasma, serum and urine, supplement extracts, and other matrices such as feed to be tested.  

The commercial potential is vast and includes routine trackside testing to determine sports doping in (e.g.) human, equine and canine athletes, as well as in the detection of various performance enhancing substances present in food supplements.  

The technology is the brainchild of Professor Alison Heather of the University of Otago.  Initially incubated by Otago Innovation Limited, the University’s technology transfer office, Catalyst Intellectual Property has been working with Professor Heather and Otago Innovation Limited since 2015.  Catalyst Intellectual Property is very pleased to continue its involvement in supporting InsituGen Limited, its Chief Executive Officer Dr Ojas Mahapatra and Chief Scientific Officer Professor Heather, by providing strategy advice and services with respect to its proprietary technology rights, advising on infringement considerations relevant to its path to market, and in the procurement of registered trade marks to support existing testing services.