The chairman of Scots life sciences firm Omega Diagnostics has stepped down, the firm said.

The company, focused on allergy, food intolerance and infectious disease, announced that David Evans has resigned from the board with immediate effect after 18 years' service with the firm.

Mr Evans said last week in an outlook that the Clackmannanshire company’s "challenges are not inconsequential".

Shares dropped 14 per cent last week - the price was down 3.64% at 13.25p at close on Monday - as Omega Diagnostics said in interim results that pre-tax profits were up but it did not produce guidance on a key product as it reaches commercialisation.

The markets appeared to react as the Alva-based firm delayed an update on its CD4 HIV testing kit, now expected within weeks.

Bill Rhodes has agreed to act as interim chairman.

Omega said that under Mr Evans' leadership, the company had already been in the process of identifying and recruiting an additional non-executive director to further strengthen the board.

During that process, Mr Evans decided that "the opportunity to also bring fresh perspective from the position of chairman would enable the board to focus on the reshaped business and new opportunities that lie ahead", the company said in its statement to the London Stock Exchange.

Colin King, chief executive at Omega Diagnostics, said: "The board would like to thank David for his invaluable contribution during his 18 years of service and wish him all the best for the future."

On revenues of £5.3 million - down 27% - an adjusted pre-tax loss of £500,000 was reported last week, against a profit of £200,000 for the same period last year.