Why our work matters

"African elephant populations stabilise in southern heartlands"

The Guardian 05 January 2024

African elephant populations have stabilised in southern Africa after significant declines over the past century. This finding is based on the most comprehensive analysis of growth rates to date, showing that conservation efforts in these regions are helping to curb the population losses that were primarily driven by poaching and habitat destruction.

LGC supports these efforts with its KASP (Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR) technology, which enables precise genotyping of DNA from elephant samples, such as dung, providing critical data for conservation. KASP’s accuracy and versatility make it invaluable not only in wildlife research but also in agriculture and plant breeding, helping researchers identify genetic variations across a wide range of species.

"We need a joint response, not just in Africa, a global effort is needed"

Die Welt 21 August 2024

A dangerous variant of the Mpox virus is spreading rapidly in parts of Central Africa, raising concerns about its potential to reach Europe. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a “public health emergency of international concern” due to its fast transmission and severe impact, particularly on children. Vaccines and global cooperation are needed to contain the outbreak.

LGC’s AccuPlex Monkeypox Reference Material Kit contains positive reference materials aligned with the consensus sequences from the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). In cases where patient samples are too scarce or too hazardous to handle, AccuPlex technology provides the ideal solution for assay development and quality control, ensuring reliable diagnostics without direct exposure to high-risk materials.

"‘Everyone is drinking it’: Why this type of ‘forever chemical’ seems to be everywhere"

Washington Post 13 July 2024

Scientists are turning their attention to new types of “forever chemicals” which are far more widespread than previously understood. These synthetic substances are resistant to degradation, accumulating in the environment and living organisms. Used in the manufacturing of hundreds of everyday products, these chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including cancer and fertility problems. As awareness grows, companies have pledged to avoid these chemicals, and regulators are increasingly restricting their use.

Perfluoro alkylated substances (PFAS), a class of around 15,000 chemicals widely used for their water and oil-resistant properties, are known to persist in the environment due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds. They contaminate air, soil and water and can also be found in food, beverages and packaging, leading to severe health risks, including cancer and liver damage. LGC Standards provides specialised reference materials for accurate PFAS testing, supporting compliance with regulations like the EU Drinking Water Directive and EPA Method 1633, safeguarding consumer health.

"Microplastics linked to a greater risk of heart attack and stroke"

New Scientist 06 March 2024

Microplastics, formed when plastics break down into particles smaller than 5 millimetres, may raise heart attack and stroke risk by accumulating in arterial plaques. These plastic-laden plaques restrict blood flow more than plastic-free ones, potentially contributing to cardiovascular disease, according to recent research on microplastics’ health effects.

Analysis of microplastics in food and the environment is challenging due to complexity of the surrounding matrices and the absence of harmonised measurement methods and reference materials. We are addressing these complex measurement challenges by developing reliable sample preparation strategies, representative test materials, and accurate measurement methods to ensure reliable and accurate results.

"In little Leo, the face of future personalized medicine"

Innovate Long Island 11 June 2024

At just 4 months old, Leo Wei Church was diagnosed with an ultra-rare and severe neurodevelopmental disease involving a mutation in his Transportin-2 gene, which is critical to protein coding and normal intellectual development. Leo’s mutation caused significant and frequent seizures and interfered with his breathing. While Leo’s long-term prognosis remains uncertain, his progress is promising – and stands as a testament to the potential of rapid-development personalised therapeutics.

LGC Axolabs offers a unique services portfolio for the development of nucleic acid therapeutics and nucleic acid-based medicines. As a world-leading service provider in oligonucleotide- & mRNA-based therapeutics, we deliver the best solutions for nucleic acid therapeutics’ development, ranging from lead ID, across all clinical stages, to commercial supply. LGC Axolabs is dedicated to the highest scientific standards fostered by world class expertise and capabilities in oligonucleotide (bio)-analytics, clinical trial support, and cGMP manufacture.

What we do

Our people make it possible

Joris Parmentier

“I truly enjoy working with customers and colleagues to tackle the challenge of puzzling together strategic options to create a valuable service for our customers and implementing that in the business.”

Joris Parmentier, Product Management Associate Director

Robyn Laskowski

“The amount of growth our teams have gone through in the past 18 months is unlike anything I’ve been a part of in my career. It isn’t just about what we’ve accomplished but also how we’ve done it as well-their character, resilience, and can-do attitudes are contagious to be around.”

Robyn Laskowski, Senior Manager, Lab Services

Wayne Gaunt

“I can honestly say that it is an amazing place to be, with amazing, passionate people working in a vast range of exciting technical areas. A dream job for anyone who has an avid interest in science.”

Wayne Gaunt, Head of Chemistry, Proficiency Testing

Saumu Lwembe

“I like LGC’s supportive and collaborative culture for staff, which encourages everyone to push beyond boundaries and achieve meaningful outcomes for both the individual and the organisation.”

Saumu Lwembe, Assistant Director, Patient, Public Involvement and Engagement

Philipp

"I thrive on the diversity of my day-to-day work. On one hand, I solve analytical problems, and on the other, I strive to perfect our in-house quality management system. It's the problem-solving aspect that I enjoy the most.“

Philipp Feuerriegel, Production Director EFF

Maria Jokar

“I am proud of myself for how far I have come and how much I have learned. I will continue to grow to become better day by day, to recognize my potential, taking steps to achieve greater heights.”

Mahboubeh (Maria) Jokar, Synthetic Chemist Level 2

Joris Parmentier
Robyn Laskowski
Wayne Gaunt
Saumu Lwembe
Philipp
Maria Jokar