We are proud to announce the appointment of Stephane Argivier as our new Chief Executive Officer, effective from 1st September 2024. Stephane Argivier will lead the next stage in the company’s expansion and succeeds Dr. James Steggles, the company’s founder, who announces he will remain Chair of the Board.

 

The announcement follows recent company successes in which Logical Biological received prestigious accolades, including securing the 149th spot in the “FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies” listing and a King’s Award for International Trade, recognising 5 years of impressive growth for Logical Biological.

 

Stephane Argivier, former CEO at MIP Discovery, recently renamed as Tozaro, and previously Managing Director at SCIPAC, now part of BBI Solutions; became Non-Executive Director and member of the Board at Logical Biological in 2021.

 

Stephane Argivier has a successful track record with over 25 years’ experience in growing critical reagent businesses for applications in ‘in-vitro’ diagnostics and Life Science tools. As Managing Director of SCIPAC, he transformed the company’s business model and offering, to achieve broad market adoption of customer centric products. SCIPAC was sold to the multinational BBI Solutions in 2010.

 

Stephane has also played a key role in shaping the Logical Biological strategy to date, which has underpinned its stellar growth.  As a successful Life Science business leader with depth of expertise in clinical biospecimens and the affinity diagnostic reagents market, Stephane is ideally suited to lead a smooth transition, scale the business and lead its ambitious expansion plans.

 

Biospecimen and manufactured bioreagents are critical for R&D, validation, manufacture and QC of diagnostic assays, and yet quality, sustainability and technical support can be a challenge to meet the ever-increasing standards required in ‘in vitro diagnostics’. Logical Biological aims to deliver an unmatched level of quality, expertise and technical understanding of customer applications to address these.

 

Dr. James Steggles, Chair of Logical Biological, said: “We are delighted that Stephane has agreed to become our new CEO. His leadership and expertise will drive Logical Biological forward in its mission to deliver a sustainable supply of critical material solutions to accelerate our customers diagnostic and therapeutic advancements’’

 

Stephane Argivier

Stephane Argivier, incoming Chief Executive, said: “I joined Logical Biological as CEO because I could see the great potential in the company, knowing the value of deep expertise, quality and exceptional customer service to deliver critical and complex bioreagent solutions to the IVD market. In my 4 years with the business as a Board Director, I have been impressed by the quality of our people, know-how and the strength of our client relationships, which provide strong foundations on which to build in the years ahead. I believe we have an exciting future in front of us to expand the business and deliver value for our customers and shareholders.’’

We are proud to announce that Logical Biological has been honoured with the King’s Award for Enterprise. This prestigious award recognises Logical Biological’s excellence in International Trade for Outstanding Short-Term Growth in overseas sales over the last three years (2020-2022), which amounted to a more than one hundred and seventy per cent increase in international revenues during the period. This growth was achieved organically, amidst the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and is a mark of the company’s excellent reputation and unwavering commitment to providing high-quality biological samples to its diagnostic and therapeutic customers.

 

The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed last year to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 58th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country. The awards celebrate the success of exciting and innovative businesses which are leading the way in one of four categories: Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility).

 

“We are delighted to receive the King’s Award for International Trade, which affirms our role as a leader in the global biospecimens market,” expressed Dr James Steggles, Managing Director of Logical Biological. “This award is a testament to the tireless efforts of our team and the trust our customers place in us as their supplier of choice for high-quality biospecimens. Our commitment to excellence not only propels our growth but also significantly furthers our mission to contribute to a healthier world.”

Kings Award For Enterprise International Trade Emblem

Over the three-year period, Logical Biological worked with a record number of customers, including many of the top 10 global leading companies in In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) test manufacturing. It shipped products to twenty-four countries (including the USA, Germany, South Korea, Ireland, and Australia), and continues to expand its reach globally. The success of Logical Biological on a global scale can be attributed to its comprehensive range of biological samples and its commitment to quality, reliability, customer service, and responsiveness. The company’s deep understanding of the international scientific community’s needs, coupled with its focus on a customer-centric approach and strict quality control protocols, ensure superior product quality and customer satisfaction.

 

Lowri Cope, Commercial Director at Logical Biological, added, “We are immensely proud to be recognized for our outstanding growth in international trade. Our strong relationships within the global In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) community form the foundation of our success. We are excited to continue this trajectory, expanding our partnerships and enhancing our role in diagnostics and therapeutic research and development.”

 

This recognition is not just an award but a reflection of Logical Biological’s dedication to impacting the global healthcare landscape positively.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) continue to be a significant global health concern, affecting millions of people each year, irrespective of geographical location or economic status. While the spotlight often falls on diseases like HIV and syphilis due to their severe consequences and historical significance, other STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and human papillomavirus (HPV) also pose substantial threats to public health worldwide.

 

STI Trends and Insights

While syphilis and HIV have historically been central to STI discussions, it’s crucial to address the wide spectrum of STIs affecting populations globally. Diseases like chlamydia, often asymptomatic, can lead to infertility if untreated. HPV, the most common STI, is a leading cause of cervical cancer, underscoring the importance of vaccination and regular screenings.

  • Chlamydia: A common STI caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The WHO estimated that in 2020 there were 5 million new infections worldwide among adults aged 15 to 49 years.
  • Syphilis: Despite being one of the oldest known STIs, syphilis cases have surged, particularly in high-income countries, with an increase in Europe of 70% from 2010 to 2017 and cases are still rising with an increase of 34% between 2021 to 2022.
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The WHO estimates that nearly all sexually active individuals will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives. Whilst in 90% of people the body controls the infection by itself, persistent HPV infection with high-risk HPV types is a leading cause of cervical cancer.
  • Trichomoniasis: The most common non-viral STI. Caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis which specifically targets the urogenital tract. There were an estimated 156 million new cases of vaginalis infection among people aged 15–49 years old globally in 2020 with approximately one third of infections in the WHO African Region.

 

Gonorrhoea- An Urgent Threat

Caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, cases of Gonorrhoea have increased significantly. In the UK whilst there was an increase of 13% in the number of sexual health screens between 2021 and 2022, there was a larger increase in diagnoses of gonorrhoea (50%), which may either reflect more targeted testing of people more likely to have an STI, or an increase in STI transmission in the community. A recent publication from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) confirms the worrying trend across Europe with the number of reported cases of gonorrhoea rising by 48% compared to the previous year.

Alongside the increasing incidence is the concern over antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea which has emerged as a significant public health challenge, with the US CDC identifying it as an “urgent threat” and estimating that there are 550,000 drug-resistant infections per year.

 

The Interconnectedness of STIs and Other Health Risks

The relationship between different STIs can exacerbate health outcomes. For example, genital ulcers from syphilis can increase the risk of acquiring HIV, a phenomenon seen with other ulcerative STIs as well. Two types of HPV (HPV 16 and HPV 18) are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases. Moreover, co-infections can complicate treatment and disease management, highlighting the need for comprehensive testing and prevention strategies.

 

The Importance of Comprehensive STI Testing and Prevention

With more than 1 million sexually transmitted infections acquired every day worldwide, the majority of which are asymptomatic, testing is vital to reduce the transmission. Beyond the successful models of HIV and syphilis testing in pregnant women, there’s a pressing need to enhance screening and prevention for other STIs. Approaches include:

  • Expanded Testing: Point-of-care (POC) tests and integrated screening programs to include a broader range of STIs, making it easier to identify and treat diseases early. Increased screening for chlamydia and gonorrhoea has been shown to reduce incidence rates, particularly in high-risk populations.
  • Vaccination: Promoting vaccines, especially against HPV, can significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. The WHO recommends HPV vaccination for girls aged 9-14 to prevent cervical cancer, with studies showing vaccine efficacy of nearly 100% for certain HPV types.
  • Education and Awareness: Increasing awareness about the importance of safe sex practices and regular testing can help reduce the transmission of STIs.
  • Integrated Health Services: Combining STI screening with other health services can improve access to testing and treatment, especially in LMICs where healthcare resources are limited.

 

Conclusion: A Call for Global Action Against STIs

The data underscores the critical need for a global response to the STI epidemic that encompasses not only HIV and syphilis but also other prevalent infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HPV. By investing in comprehensive strategies that include education, vaccination, and accessible testing, the global community can make significant strides in reducing the burden of STIs and safeguarding public health.

 

STI Biospecimens from Logical Biological

Logical Biological can provide a wide variety of serum, plasma and swabs for the research and development of STI tests and manufacture of control material. All specimens can be provided according to your custom specifications and are supplied with patient demographic information. A variety of testing methods can be utilised to confirm positivity for the disease marker requested and provide titre values.

Popular products available include:

Marker Matrix
HIV Plasma, Serum
HIV O (Human Immunodeficiency Virus Subtype O) Plasma, Serum
Syphilis Plasma, Serum, Swab, PBMC, Urine
Syphilis IgM Plasma, Serum
Gonorrhoea IgM Plasma
Neisseria gonorrhoeae Swab, Urine, Plasma
Chlamydia trachomatis Swabs, Urine
Chlamydia trachomatis IgA/ IgG/ IgM Plasma, Serum
Trichomonas vaginalis Swab, Urine
Trichomonas vaginalis IgM Plasma
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Swab
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) IgG Plasma

A full range of infectious disease products available can be found in our product table

We’re excited to share a milestone in our journey at Logical Biological. Our relentless dedication to customer centricity and unwavering commitment to quality has led to us securing 149th spot in the prestigious “FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies” listing, a recognition that fills us with immense pride and joy.

 

The “FT 1000” list, created in collaboration with Statista, shines a spotlight on the European companies that have shown extraordinary growth. The ranking is determined by analysing the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue from 2019 to 2022. In a list that is dominated by IT, Software, Construction and Energy/ Utility companies, Logical Biological is proud to be leading the way for science.

 

Our Managing Director, Dr James Steggles, reflects on this achievement with gratitude, attributing it to the hard work of our team and the trust our customers place in us. “This recognition validates our team’s dedication and the close relationships we’ve built with our partners who share our vision of creating a healthier world. It’s their trust in us as a provider of high-quality biospecimens that has propelled our growth.”

FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies

Our position in the list is not just a number—it’s a narrative of our dedication to delivering excellence. Our expansive array of biological samples, combined with our focus on responsiveness, reliability, and quality, illustrates our commitment to the scientific community. We strive to understand and meet their needs ensuring that our products and services exceed expectations and maintain the highest quality standards.

 

Lowri Cope, Commercial Director, echoes this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for our future endeavours. “Being acknowledged as one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies is a milestone that fuels our ambition. We look forward to building on this success and forging new partnerships in the advancement of scientific research and healthcare.”

 

As we celebrate this achievement, we’re not just looking back at our successes—we’re looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. Our vision is clear. Join us as we continue to forge ahead, solidifying our role as your trusted partner for biospecimens.

Logical Biological is dedicated to fostering sustainability, operating with ethics and integrity, and striving to reduce our environmental footprint. In-fact one of our 6 company values set down as the founding principles of our company is “We do we what we can to reduce our environmental impact.” This principle is deeply embedded in our company culture, influencing our daily activities, and guiding our efforts towards creating a more sustainable future for everyone.

 

Our Carbon Offsetting Journey

Early in 2023 we made a firm commitment to carbon offset all our incoming and outgoing freight and set about measuring our carbon tonnage. Throughout the year this goal expanded, and we increased our commitment to include our carbon tonnage (Scopes 1 & 2) for the following;

  • Freight for all shipments
  • Business Travel
  • Staff Commuting
  • Office Lab equipment (electrical usage etc)
  • Office and Lab Space lighting etc
  • Dry Ice

We opted to work with Native, a US based public benefit and certified B corporation, to ensure our carbon offsets achieve our company’s sustainability goals, which are based on the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We are proud to announce that we have offset our carbon impact and are carbon neutral for the above activities in 2023.

 

Sustainability Projects we are Supporting

We have offset our 2023 carbon footprint by purchasing verified emissions reductions’ credits (VER’s) to support 2 projects for the next 20 years;

  1. Brazil Pastureland Regeneration project

The Brazil Pastureland Regeneration with Native Palm Silvopasture Project works with smallholder farms in Brazil to plant native Macaúba palms in degraded pasturelands. This work will create a silvopasture system that sequesters carbon in the soil, provides shade for grazing livestock, and supports biodiversity, while providing a responsibly grown source of palm. It will remove >900,000 tCO2e over 20 years and have a substantial impact on the community by providing additional income for 100+ farms and jobs for over 300 people.

  1. Mozambique Clean Water project

The Mozambique Clean Drinking Water Project, led by the non-profit Village Water, rehabilitates, installs, and maintains borehole water infrastructure to provide communities with safe, clean drinking water. The project also;

  • builds capacity and offers training at the local level around managing water sources into the future.
  • reduces the risk of waterborne illnesses and the need to boil water for purification, which saves over 95,000 tonnes of firewood annually and reduces CO2 emissions.
  • improves sanitation and hygiene practices in the communities.
  • allows women and girls to spend more time on other activities previously dedicated to collecting water and firewood.

As a result of this project to date, over 36,000 people have access to clean drinking water, and over 98 million litres of drinking water are supplied annually.

 

2023 Sustainable Development Goal Achievements

Reducing inequalities was also part of our 2023 sustainability goals. In February 2023, we sought your insights through our customer satisfaction survey. In response to each completed survey, we made donations to PATH, an international organization dedicated to advancing health equity worldwide. Your participation not only aided our sustainability endeavors but also supported a specific Sustainable Development Goal. We are grateful for your valuable contribution to this vital cause.

Sustainability achievements 2023

Sustainability Programs in the Local Community

We are active members of the local community where we are based, Discovery Park. Annually, we plant Christmas Trees on-site, fostering a green initiative. Additionally, we’ve launched an on-site program for the collection and recycling of printer toner cartridges in Feb 2023.

Christmas Trees growing
Last year’s Christmas Trees

We reuse packaging materials including expanded polystyrene (EPS) boxes, dry ice, and cool packs. Over the last 4 years we have re-used 41% of our EPS boxes for our outgoing shipments.

Logical Biological supports volunteer days and we have an annual volunteer day. In March 2023 we volunteered our time to the Kent Wildlife Trust and spent the day at Sandwich and Pegwell Bay, litter picking and clearing sea-buckthorn which dominates the dunes above the bay. To read more please see our blog.

 

Our Sustainability Credentials

In April 2023 we were awarded a Bronze EcoVadis Medal. EcoVadis measures the quality of a company’s sustainability management system and will be planting a tree on our behalf. Our objective is to consistently improve our performance to attain a higher rating in the 2024 assessment.

EcoVadis Bronze 2023

2024 Sustainability Plan

Our 2024 Sustainability Plan is an extension of our achievements from 2023 and we will continue to review our progress, reinforcing our dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices. Concentrating on key areas— Environment, Labour and Human Rights, and Ethics — we not only aim to enhance our EcoVadis score significantly, but we are also steadfast in our goal to achieve Carbon Neutrality in 2024 by once again minimising and offsetting all carbon emissions.

Calprotectin is a heterodimer protein expressed by leucocytes and used as a biomarker for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). It is packed into granular neutrophils (up to 60% of cytoplasmic protein) and released by shedding, active secretion, or cell death. Calprotectin is present in IBD patients because it is expressed by leucocytes that have accumulated in the gastrointestinal tract as part of the inflammatory response and is therefore present in the faeces when intestinal inflammation occurs.

Why measure Calprotectin?

The use of Calprotectin screening has dramatically altered diagnosis of IBD diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It is considered a reliable marker because it is resistant to degradation and samples can be kept for up to 5 days without affecting tests or results. Calprotectin can be used as a screening tool to differentiate between IBD and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and prevent unnecessary endoscopies for patients with low Calprotectin levels. This is a relief to most and makes significant cost savings for healthcare payors, however an endoscopy is still recommended to diagnose patients with suspected IBD based on the UK, Canadian, World and US Gastroenterology Organization guidelines. With an increasing amount of young people, and children being diagnosed with IBD alternatives to invasive tests are vital.

If a patient presents with symptoms of lower abdominal pain, it is important to ascertain between a range of illnesses. Early symptoms of IBD are very similar to IBS. A short list of associated symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain and discomfort
  • Irregular bowel movements
  • Irregular bowel consistencies
  • Nausea
  • Bloating

If IBD progresses bleeding, anaemia, weight loss and fever can occur. The causes of IBD versus IBS are very different and differentiating between the two is important for patient care.

Calprotectin tests

Calprotectin levels can be measured through faecal sampling via a variety of testing methodologies. From rapid immunochromatographic (also known as lateral flow) tests, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and automated immunoassays, there are tests to suit all situations, from home testing to larger scale laboratory testing. All provide quantitative results, however measurements exhibit variability and no current method is universally accepted as a standard.

 

The reference ranges for calprotectin levels can vary slightly between different laboratories and assay methods and each manufacturer sets their own cut-off values for IBD and IBS differentiation. Calprotectin Stool samples In the UK, many hospitals are using the New Faecal Calprotectin Care Pathway for interpretation of the values obtained from a faecal calprotectin test with the following criteria:

  • <100µg/g = IBD is unlikely
  • 100 – 250µg/g = Intermediate result – Repeat the test in 2 weeks
  • >250µg/g = Likely IBD refer to secondary care

It is important to note that this pathway is based on testing using the Bühlmann assay, with some compatibility testing performed to understand the cut off differences for the Thermo Fisher assay. It is essential that users are aware of which testing option they are utilizing to ensure the most effective outcomes in their chosen care pathways.

Tracking Calprotectin levels throughout the course of an IBD suffered illness is increasingly aiding treatment decisions. The move from lab-based ELISA to home-based lateral flow tests initiated  a study comparing 3 lateral flow tests utilising a smart phone app with known ELISA tests to confirm Calprotectin levels. All three calprotectin home tests and companion ELISAs agreed sufficiently when concentrations were at the high end (≤500 μg/g).

Calprotectin Conclusion

Calprotectin testing has reduced the numbers of endoscopies and colonoscopies required, saving time, money, and patient discomfort. Used in isolation preliminary Calprotectin tests may well have limitations, but in conjunction with full medical history and other diagnostic procedures it is a useful tool to differentiate between IBD and IBS. Using Calprotectin tests throughout the course of a sufferers IBD could help the patient manage their lifestyle and treatments. Aided by the use of smart phone apps that facilitate test readings and can link directly with GP surgeries. International standardisation remains an issue and is something for manufacturer collaboration to resolve.

Logical Biological Products

Logical Biological offers stools/faeces from donors, including those diagnosed with IBD, containing known levels of Calprotectin measured using the Diasorin Liaison test or Bühlmann fCAL® ELISA. This material is suitable for many applications including assay development, assay validation, quality control testing and External Quality Assurance schemes.