Spectroscopy investment

, a Warrington-based

(STFC) spinout, has secured £750,000 funding to commercialise its patented non-invasive analysis technology.

LiteThru’s developments use Raman spectroscopy in pharmaceutical analysis to look inside capsules or tablets and analyse their exact composition, at high speed and while still in the packaging. This could make production and quality control of medicines quicker, more accurate and cost-effective.

Pioneered at STFC’s Central Laser Facility, LiteThru’s technology uses a new form of spectroscopy, known as Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS), which enables the sensitive probing of objects such as capsules and tablets in blister packs or bottles without opening them. This concept is also being researched for its potential to diagnose breast cancer and detect bone disease non-invasively.

Dr Darren Andrews, chief executive at LiteThru Ltd, said: ‘This investment is the result of successful trials with several large pharmaceutical companies and will be used to build our first rapid analysis machines.

'The industry response has been strong because the technology can cut the costs of mandatory testing as well as reduce manufacturing lead-time. This is a superb example of how cutting-edge science can provide direct solutions for key industrial problems.’