Avacta Group to launch ELISA lab test for COVID-19
said it will launch a high-performance ELISA laboratory test for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in order to support global research efforts to combat COVID-19.
Using the same Affimer® reagents that are incorporated into Avacta’s rapid coronavirus saliva test being developed in partnership Cytiva, Avacta has developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays ("ELISAs") laboratory test which can detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The developer of Affimer® reagents said it will make the ELISA test available as a kit so that researchers can use it in their own labs to support research into the coronavirus.
The ELISA test is capable of detecting the coronavirus spike protein in laboratory samples down to very low concentrations. A test conducted using SARS-CoV-2 virus samples showed the test to detect as little as a few thousand virus infectious units per millilitre of sample.
Shares in Avacta Group have skyrocketed over 400% since March and were trading 3.64% higher at 171p this morning following the announcement.
This unit is typical of the levels found in infectious COVID-19 patients' saliva whether they are symptomatic or not, Avacta told investors. Highly infectious COVID-19 patients can have many thousands or millions of times more spike protein in their saliva than this, it added.
Avacta noted that it plans to supply the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein ELISA reagent kit directly and is also in active discussions with potential OEM partners and distributors globally.
“Avacta remains focused on the much larger opportunity of the saliva-based coronavirus antigen rapid test that we are developing with Cytiva and which is now in the process of technology transfer to our manufacturing partners,” said Dr. Alastair Smith, CEO of Avacta.
He added, “The excellent analytical performance of the ELISA test is very encouraging with regards to the anticipated clinical performance of the rapid test and I look forward to starting the clinical validation with the first pilot batch of rapid tests as soon as possible."
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