UpFront’s inclusion in IDAP highlights the urgent need for faster and more reliable stroke triage tools. LVOne is a finger-prick blood test that can be used by paramedics and emergency responders to detect Large Vessel Occlusion (LVO) — the deadliest form of stroke — in minutes.
LVO strokes require mechanical thrombectomy, a highly specialised treatment available only in 24 hospitals across the UK. Without timely diagnosis and referral, patients often suffer preventable disabilities or death.
“A portable blood test, from UpFront Diagnostics, could help paramedics identify stroke patients more quickly. It could mean thousands are spared long-term disability and the associated care costs, while reducing pressure on A&E departments nationwide.”
— UK Government announcement
LVOne would allow frontline teams to bypass general hospitals and deliver patients directly to comprehensive stroke centres — saving time, brain cells, and lives.
Government Backing for a Health System Under Pressure
The IDAP pilot is part of the government’s long-term vision for faster, simpler, and fairer access to healthcare technology. By helping companies navigate regulatory, clinical and reimbursement processes, IDAP aims to make the UK a global hub for medical innovation.
“NHS staff need access to the latest technology to deliver the highest quality care for patients and cut waiting lists — one of our top five priorities.”
— Health Minister Andrew Stephenson
“These cutting-edge technologies could help thousands of patients with a range of conditions… while easing pressure on our hospitals and reducing healthcare inequalities.”
— UK Government press release
A National Coalition for Innovation
The IDAP pilot is delivered by a unique collaboration of national health agencies and innovation leaders:
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
- NHS England
- Health Technology Wales
- Scottish Health Technologies Group
Their coordinated support will help selected technologies — including LVOne — move from proof of concept to NHS-wide deployment.
“By supporting innovative medical technologies, this programme will ease pressure on the healthcare system and be life-changing for many patients.”
— Dr. Marc Bailey, Chief Science and Innovation Officer, MHRA
Other Selected Innovations in the IDAP Pilot
Alongside UpFront Diagnostics, other IDAP participants are tackling conditions like cancer, Alzheimer’s, COPD, neutropenia and infection prediction. These include:
- HistoSonics: ultrasound therapy for liver cancer
- Roche Diagnostics: blood test for Alzheimer’s detection
- Lenus Health: AI for predicting COPD-related hospitalisation
- EarSwitch: improved oximetry for diverse skin tones
- Avegen Ltd.: digital app for MS fatigue
- 52 North Health: at-home neutropenia test for chemotherapy patients
- Presymptom Health: early infection prediction algorithm
“We aim to be a trusted adviser, providing tailored advice and supporting businesses along the product lifecycle — helping bring the best innovations into the NHS.”
— Jeanette Kusel, Director of NICE Advice
UpFront Diagnostics is honoured to join the IDAP programme and accelerate the journey of LVOne into the NHS.
With strong government backing and national collaboration, we’re now one step closer to ensuring faster, smarter stroke care is available to patients where and when it matters most.
