UK-based Intelligent Fingerprinting, developers of the world’s first portable fingerprint drug test, have secured a further £1.7 million of funding from a group of private US and UK investors. The investment will help accelerate commercialisation of the recently launched Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening System – particularly into key UK workplace market sectors such as construction, transport, warehousing and manufacturing.
Intelligent Fingerprinting develops and manufactures its drug screening system from a dedicated facility in Cambridge. Commenting on this latest investment, the company’s Chairman, Philip Hand said: “Following the successful launch of our fingerprint drug test, and our transition from successful pilot projects to commercial engagements, we’re now focused on strengthening our UK sales and marketing resources as well as our international offering. This latest funding will see the company place increased emphasis on the critical workplace sector, and will also help support our ongoing FDA approval activities in the USA.”
The unique Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening System works by analysing the sweat from a fingerprint, so – unlike traditional urine or saliva-based drug testing – it’s non-invasive, fast and cost-effective. By collecting and analysing tiny traces of sweat from a fingerprint, the Intelligent Fingerprinting test can detect drugs and drug metabolites in under 10 minutes. The system features a single-use Cartridge that screens for multiple drug groups simultaneously (currently amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine and opiates), with sample collection taking just 5 seconds.
Since its commercial launch in August 2017, the fingerprint drug test has quickly proved itself, and is already in use in the UK across a range of applications including for screening in the workplace; supporting drug recovery programmemes; and to help with coroner investigations in mortuaries.
Intelligent Fingerprinting secured initial seed investment in 2009, followed by the first round of funding from the company’s US investors in 2012. Prior to today’s announcement, the company has raised over £11 million of private investment over the past six years – in addition to its original funding of £0.5 million.
About Intelligent Fingerprinting
Launched in August 2017, the Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening System works by analysing the sweat from a fingerprint sample. It is non-invasive, fast and cost-effective – screening for multiple drug groups simultaneously (currently amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine and opiates) with sample collection taking 5 seconds and results in minutes.
The system is currently being marketed to the criminal justice arena, drug rehabilitation services, offender management and occupational health services. The technique has potential for many other uses including healthcare diagnostics and homeland security applications.
Founded in 2007, Intelligent Fingerprinting is a spin-out company from the University of East Anglia (UEA). The company is based in Cambridge, England and currently employs around 30 people.
