Business
Manchester NHS Trust transitions MT-RNR1 to BAU
genedrive plc announced that Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust hospitals have transitioned its Genedrive® MT-RNR1 ID kit to Business as Usual clinical service for preventing antibiotic-induced hearing loss in neonates. This move follows participation in the PALOH-UK programme, where the test identified over 30 babies with the MT-RNR1 variant in Greater Manchester NICUs, enabling safer antibiotic prescriptions. The company is actively discussing similar transitions with other hospitals to ensure continued access to this preventive test across the UK, with funding for the PALOH-UK programme concluding by June 2026. Disclaimer*
About this update from Genedrive Plc
18 June 2026 genedrive plc ("genedrive" or the "Company") Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust transitions genedrive's MT-RNR1 test to Business as Usual clinical service genedrive plc (AIM: GDR), the point of care pharmacogenetic testing company, is pleased to announce that Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust ("MFT") hospitals has transitioned the Genedrive® MT-RNR1 ID kit for the prevention of Antibiotic Induced Hearing Loss in neonates to Business as Usual ("BAU") routine clinical service. MFT hospitals (St. Mary's, North Manchester and Wythenshawe) together represent approximately 1,800 Neonatal Intensive Care Units ("NICU") admissions annually and have been three of the eight Greater Manchester sites participating in the 14-site nationwide PALOH-UK programme, which aims to address National Institute for Clinical Care and Excellence ("NICE") Real World Evidence generation requirements. To date, more than 30 critically ill babies in Greater Manchester NICUs have been identified with the MT-RNR1 variant, enabling alternative antibiotic prescription and reducing the risk of aminoglycoside-induced lifelong hearing loss. At least one baby carrying the MT-RNR1 variant has been identified at each NICU site in Greater Manchester, reinforcing the case for routine testing across neonatal services. Dr Ajit Mahaveer, Consultant Neonatologist, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester said: "The Genedrive assay has become an integral part of our neonatal practice, enabling rapid identification of babies at risk of aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss. Its continued use supports safer, more personalised care and allows timely treatment decisions without delaying antibiotic administration." Dr Gino Miele, CEO of genedrive plc, said: "The transition to BAU routine clinical service following PALOH-UK at MFT is a key milestone in driving wider scale adoption of our MT-RNR1 genetic test in the UK. As a Manchester-based company working closely with NHS partners, we are particularly proud that MFT has been central to the development and progression of rapid pharmacogenetic testing in NICUs. Since the introduction of the test, more than 30 babies in Greater Manchester alone have been identified as carrying the MT-RNR1 variant and would otherwise have been at risk of lifelong hearing loss. We are delighted that babies and familie...