RE: GDR Update #5 - Saliva Test18 Sep 2020 11:51
bump - Saliva based test will be HUGE.
What a lot of people have overlooked is that the validation isn't using our swab sampling, but its using saliva.
The benefits of using saliva are all over the internet. The test every diagnostic firm in the world would agree to being the holy grail is an Antigen LFT which works on saliva. What we are validating is a PCR test which works on saliva. Different tech, but same extraction method.
Here is an article for people who want to take a read on pros and cons.
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/08/new-drool-based-tests-are-replacing-dreaded-coronavirus-nasal-swab
What saliva also does is make it easier to get FDA, they are on the lookout for new quicker methods of testing and saliva fits right in. Also the agent used to extract the genetic material in our validation is already FDA approved, i believe its called RNAgent and its mentioned in the RNS.
In effect what you could end up with post validation, is having a new / v2 / upgraded test, where BC are joined at the hip with us. These solutions are not created in a lab by 1-2 people in a few days, they require serious man power and lots of time. They need GDR test, and GDR need their RNAgent if either of us decides to go it alone.
No UK company to the best of my knowledge who works with government offers a saliva PCR test. NOTE: i wrote best of my knowledge. Imagine a world where you pull up, spit in a cup or tube and your done. No swabs, no packaging for swabs, no H&S fears for swabs (google Randox), no shortages of swabs. quicker, cheaper, more efficient.
Once this solution is validated, its ready for rollout, BC have the tech, manpower, Reagents, Cytiva test, and now technical solution all under one roof. They are already well in with the US Gov having done upgrades for them already. This partnership may well be what is required to give GDR a kick up.
Lastly, if you look at the tender put out by government for increased testing (think it was this week or last week), they mention owning the full solution (I vaguely recall reading this so please correct me if im wrong and ill take this back) governments want labs, they dont seem to want more tests. What we potentially have with BC is everything and ready for mass roll out having already had contracts with US Gov.
As always DYOR, this isnt a ramp, I dont do ramps.
Side notes.
North East under lockdown
North West any day now, they were going to announce it today but seem to have pulled the plug last minute
Leeds next
West Mids - under restrictions
Gov advisor saying 2 week lockdown needed in Oct
No testing capacity
Apparently government didnt see this coming
Entering cold and flu season
USA Election season
CDC head says vaccine mid 2021
Trump says vaccine now
US research says 50% willing to take vaccine, Fauci says its not enough
Astra Zeneca vaccine caused spine issues in patient hence halted, this is serious.
CDC head says masks more effective than vac