Sona Nanotech Inc. announced that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to evaluate, and if determined effective, to commercialize its bovine tuberculosis ("BTB") rapid test. Under the terms of the MOU executed with Biotangents Limited (Biotangents), the parties plan to explore the characteristics of Sona's BTB test and its suitability for commercialization. Biotangents will provide Sona with consultation on the design and execution of appropriate clinical evaluation studies to determine performance of the test prototype.

Biotangents has been granted a 'first right of refusal' to license Sona's BTB test technology for the purposes of commercialization on mutually agreeable terms. Sona's BTB rapid test prototype is being developed with the financial and advisory support from the National Research Council of Canada ("NRC") Industrial Research Assistance Program ("IRAP") in association with a consortium of UK companies who benefit from financial support from Innovate UK (IUK). NRC IRAP's contribution was approved under a program to promote collaborative projects with UK partners through the Canada-UK industrial research and development call for proposals delivered by the NRC and IUK. As part of the multi-year project, Sona is working with a consortium in the U.K. to leverage BTB biomarker research from Aberystwyth University to develop a rapid, lateral flow assay to identify BTB that differentiates between vaccinated and unvaccinated cows.

IUK is supporting other members of the consortium with funding to assist in the goal of eradicating BTB in the U.K.