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Nowadays you can just order the whole sequence in a expression vector. I have used this method to generate synthetic proteins to use as standards in mass spec (look up QconCATs).They could generate the modified spike protein themselves quite quickly, but I would imagine that every contract lab is working on this flat out so they will probably be able to purchase it more easily, especially if they wanted the glycosylated form.
I would think that they have a good idea of where the Affimers bind by now so if there was a mutation in the primary sequence (order of amino acids) which would affect binding they would know.
As their assay seems to be affected by freezing samples (have they actually confirmed this is the reason for the problem at PD?) then it implies that the binding is also dependent upon the secondary/tertiary structures(the way it folds up). Whilst this can be modelled, it is not a perfect science and the number of mutations and deletions in this variant it would make it harder to be certain about any impact on the binding by in silico analysis alone.
My impression is DNA codes for the amino acid sequence - this sequence goes onto be folded into a protein. Each mutation changes the coding and therefore the amino acid sequence. Each mutation and combination of mutations can be deleterious or beneficial creating slightly different proteins.
We know how to read the DNA sequence and the amino acid sequence that results. From this we can predict the shape of the new protein. I think we can even create the individual proteins - and therefore test recognition molecules such as affimers and Abs against them. It looks as if Avactas links to institutes that can do this is much better then last year. Once suitable affimers have been identified the clinical testing requires real world samples - until Spain showed up, Avacta were struggling.
So I think affimers can be generated because we know the mutations, can translate them and produce the protein. How quick may still require access to real world samples - I don't know.
Best guess
Do one Roland you complete bell. I remember calling you out on your debut post when you were slightly more subtle.
I'll just show them the share price, pictures speak a 1000 words. As failed, LFT failed, BAMS failed. All hope hinging on a clothing company that runs sweatshops in leicester. Says it all really.
Ok Sherlock Holmes, give point and Biokit a call on Monday and let them know about your gut feeling vs their scientific knowledge you boring clown
Ripley thats all in research/WIP. No significant product is making money. If it's so good how has it taken 1.5 yrs and still no significant sales. No takeover bids, nothing. Surely someone would have given us a break by now. I mean the best covid test in the world sold sod all after 1.5 yrs. Something isn't right here.
Even better MrRipley, this tweet shows the comments from AS in a presentation Q&A when asked about how the process of developing a new Affimer and updating the test works.
A man worried about variants wouldn’t say “our experience of variants thus far suggests we would not need to do this very often IF AT ALL”
Which is proven right so far! And plan b is very clear
https://mobile.twitter.com/YorkshirPuddin/status/1464248344990072856
Rolly roll. I didn’t realise you were a scientist. Do you know more than Biokit and Astrea then do you?
Steve Burton, President of Astrea Bioseparations commented:
"Affimer reagents are high-performance proteinaceous ligands that have been engineered for a wide range of applications as superior alternatives to antibody-based ligands. They can be used to selectively bind difficult targets, even where antibodies and aptamers have shown limitations. In combination with our proven Mimetic Ligand® chemical ligand libraries, the Affimer ligand platform significantly expands our capacity to discover, develop and deliver custom affinity adsorbents for purification of biotherapeutics and advanced therapies."
"Biokit is very pleased to have reached this agreement with Avacta. The agreement will increase the competitiveness of our customized assay offering for our partners. Avacta's technology also enables us to innovate our assays with new reagents like Affimer® reagents, an alternative to antibodies. We can now move onto the next stage of development, incorporation of this technology into new products. We hope this is the first of many assays containing Affimer® reagents which will be developed by Avacta".
It’s here: https://mobile.twitter.com/miamalan/status/1463846528578109444
Monkshood (and probably RD) can Avacta tell where this mutation is on the virus (I’m guessing yes) from the information now out there and can they tell from that if that is indeed the area that the affimer attaches and therefore the likelihood of it affecting the test performance?
Spot on Rorkes. And noone apart from a Spanish hospital has ever endorsed us. Which is why I have zero confidence in this. AS sells a reactive accurate technology but noone seems to believe him. Even the the gov are blocking him, surely another company would come along and buy Avacta out, if the tech really did work.
This doesn’t sound like they’re worried about new variants to me.
“We will continue to monitor the performance of the Affimer reagents with future dominant variants as they become available to us. Since the Affimer reagents we use in Avacta’s range of SARS-CoV-2 tests do not bind in the region of the spike protein where the dominant mutations appear, we do not anticipate that the performance of the tests will be affected.
Now that we have developed a robust lateral flow test architecture, we can easily insert Affimer reagents that that can be very rapidly developed for new variants if necessary, and indeed in response to any other future pandemic virus.”
Its not the speed to generate either affimers or Abs to new variants that is the CSF. It is the ability to meet and navigate the regulatory hurdles. Avacta had generated suitable affimers in about six weeks but then couldn't progress much further.
Traditional LFDs using Abs will already be working on this new variant. What we need is endorsement and integration from regulatory authorities
Cheers Bein.
Yes, there are, but not of note. Have a read of this thread, it’s informative.
https://mobile.twitter.com/jcbarret/status/1463975708770897923
Mr ripley
I wonder if the other tests don’t pick up on this variant, how long would it take them to make a new test which would pick it up
Surely if our test is that good why isn’t the WHO knocking on our door asking for such help ?
Cheers bein. And (I’m sure it’s been said) are there any mutations with this new variant on the N protein or just the S?
Mr R - Delta had a mutation to the N protein, hence the decreased sensitivity of most LFT’s. Quite ironic really.
I was thinking about this too Kong. I’m pretty sure the innova test is about 50-60% accurate with delta. Perhaps Monkshood could explain why since it’s an N protein test?
Unless I’m missing something, and the more knowledgeable among us Ophiden etc.
Avacta’s test can detect the delta variant while others can’t. !
So if this new variant which appears to be a bigger risk and of more concern than the others.
Will the other tests pick this up, will ours pick this up ?
If not to both, Then AS has quite clearly said Avacta can change the test to suit much quicker and faster than anyone else.
I’m presuming if so and we have proved our test to be the best, then surely governments need the new test and will test everyone with this first.
It beggars belief Avacta are in this position as being the best without the official recognition.
It may be that this new variant if as contagious and deadly as what we may be fearing could be the catalyst for our government to rubber stamp our test sooner rather than later.
We seem to have everything in place now. Fingers crossed we may be the only and first company in the world to bring the new variant test to market. How sweet will that taste !!!
Let’s hope the Chinese tests don’t pick up the new variant ,
Exciting and frustrating times ahead, surely news is around the corner, if not covid then surely AVA 6000
Good luck all
Kong