Teppo Salminen started in Uniogen as a lateral flow technical lead in June. Teppo is part of a team developing a diagnostic platform that will combine immunoassays and PCR tests. The development project is focused currently on infectious diseases, but several other applications are to follow.

Putting theory into practice

Being able to combine both technologies gives the healthcare specialists the ability to focus at once on acute and long-term diseases. The best part of the system is that it doesn’t require any special skills to run the tests but at the same time the results are extremely precise.

Although Teppo started in Uniogen just some months ago, he has a long university background both teaching and doing research. He did his doctorate at the University of Turku in biotechnology. His research focused on rapid diagnostics in developing countries. Uniogen was a natural continuum for Teppo, since Uniogen had done plenty of collaboration with the university in the past years. “It’s been very rewarding to be able to put all the theory into practice for common good,” Teppo says. “I find combining research with product development motivating.”

Lab work and parenting tips

The development of a new platform takes a lot of team effort since the results are reached by trial and error. Teppo is very happy with the team he’s working with. The ambitious project wouldn’t be possible without all the knowhow and experience put together.

Now the next big goal is to get the new platform to the market, which of course requires several critical steps before the regulatory approvals. “After that we must develop various different tests for different pathogens,” explains Teppo. While he admits that infectious diseases diagnostics are first in line, he’s also very keen to tackle cancer diagnostics. “Our team has much to offer and a great opportunity to succeed. It’s very exciting.”

Even with an 8-month-old baby at home Teppo seems fairly well rested. “Our team has a very supportive atmosphere and a good sense of humor, so work can be relaxing. Also, I have many colleagues with small children, so I get great parenting tips, too.”