Stevens & Bolton has advised British entrepreneur Mike Fischer of Systems Biology Laboratory (SBL) and the co-founders of the COVID-19 Volunteer Testing Network, on the launch of a voluntary laboratory network to expand COVID-19 testing for GPs and other healthcare workers across the UK. This work was undertaken on a pro-bono basis.
The network has been supported by a £1m investment by the Fischer family trust, to support laboratories unable to afford the consumables to deliver the critical testing. SBL already runs up to 500 tests a week for a number of GP surgeries in Oxfordshire and it is hoped by creating a network of volunteer laboratories across the UK, will play a vital role in supporting the national COVID-19 testing programme. The roll-out has already begun with laboratories signing up to this initiative and the project team are liaising with both Government and the NHS.
The Stevens & Bolton team was led by head of life sciences Charlotte Tillett and head of regulatory Gustaf Duhs and advised on the establishment and operation of the volunteer network.
Caroline Plumb, co-founder of the Covid-19 Volunteer Testing Network said: “Stevens & Bolton’s life sciences team is providing us with the perfect balance of pragmatism and great legal advice in an unusual and fast-moving situation. Their rapid support and turn-around has been essential to bringing the lab network on-board to enable this project, which is providing vital assistance to healthcare workers.”
Charlotte Tillett said: "We are delighted to support this great project and the important work they are doing towards increasing COVID-19 testing capacity across the UK.”
The COVID-19 Volunteer Testing Network is being co-ordinated on an entirely voluntary basis. Further information can be found on their website: https://www.covid19-testing.org/
Charlotte Tillett
Gustaf Duhs