An excellent RNS imo. Besides the upbeat content highlighted by many posters here it is also an example of 'unexpected news'. As is the case with affimers we are likely to receive all kinds of 'tangential news' regarding previously unforeseen applications. The example in the RNS builds on a known application taken to a new level but there will be many other opportunities to come. Regarding the SP, the RNS might not have dropped along with that unmistakable stench of burning shorts but it does have all the attributes of a match having been lit :-) VGLA
This thread has run its course but I would like to say thank you for receiving it positively, as it was intended. Not easy to connect with a poster appearing out of the blue with a dark moniker (years ago it started off darker) :-) I might feel confident enough to add to another thread - if I have anything to say. I shall keep reading all your contributions. Thanks and, as ever, VGLA
I am still trying to persuade myself that this is the better way to read the RNS. So, one more thought and then I shall leave it alone. Once one reads this through the prism of two separate courses of action then more of the language in the RNS makes sense. One example can be tested using the excellent research and experience on this Avacta bb. The early para says 'decision to pause sales of the AffiDX® antigen test whilst it replaces the antibody in the product', whilst the later para says 'to generate the next generation antigen test that will be as resilient as possible to any future mutations'. Now, this bb has established that tinkering with an antibody part of our test will not result in 'the next generation antigen test'. These two phrases are mutually exclusive and are incongruous if presented in a communication referring only to one process. However, when viewed as referring to two different processes then they make perfect sense.
Oh, and the bit everyone hates, I have held here since 24th April 2020. I do not post when I have nothing to say but never filter and have read everything here for almost two years. VGLA
Before yesterday, my only other post here was months ago when I posted my view that wider awareness of affimers would be better associated with Avacta's original projects rather than Covid testing; I was not sure that the 'covid distraction' was/is welcome. However, just before leaving our testing opportunity I think it is worth registering what the RNS (Jan 10th) says, rather than what it can be interpreted to say:
There is the para which includes 'decision to pause sales of the AffiDX® antigen test whilst it replaces the antibody in the product'. Only after a further 2 paras does it go on to say ' use the robustness of the Affimer® platform, and what we have learned about the SARS-CoV-2 virus, to generate the next generation antigen test that will be as resilient as possible to any future mutations'. I read these as 2 totally separate activities (as clearly laid out in the RNS). Further, I have reflected on why Avacta chose to link us to a list of tests which illustrate minor modifications with timelines for those alterations - the timelines are multiple DAYS rather than WEEKS. This link is placed in proximity to the phrase 'replaces the antibody in the product' like a signpost as to what is going on. So, my 'takeaway' is that we are now engaged in a quick fix due to Omicron matters (there may be more fixes for near-future variants) and, totally separate to that, we will (as time goes on) generate our 'all singing/dancing' test using ' what we have learned about the SARS-CoV-2 virus' since now 'We believe COVID-19 testing remains a long-term commercial opportunity'. In any event, we shall soon(?) see! VGLA
19.10: I think that the link in the RNS provided by Avacta gets close to answering many of our questions. The link gives access to very many other links. An example (partly to give cheer regarding a possible Avacta timeline:
Issue Resolved: Tests Previously Expected to Fail to Detect the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant (As of 12/27/2021)
These tests have been modified or otherwise have addressed the issue of their inability to detect the omicron variant.
Tide Laboratories DTPM COVID-19 RT-PCR Test
Test Name (Link to EUA): DTPM COVID-19 RT-PCR testManufacturer: Tide Laboratories, LLCThe FDA's Analysis:This test is now expected to detect the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant (B.1.1.529). The original test was a single target test that was expected to fail to detect the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant (B.1.1.529) due to a nine-nucleotide deletion in the N-gene, spanning positions 28370-28362, which is within the portion of the N-gene that the single target covered. The test has been modified and is now a multiplex test with an added reverse primer to detect the omicron variant.Potential Impact: This test as modified is now expected to detect the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant (B.1.1.529).Notes: Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated a 100% match with omicron variant sequences as well as delta variant sequences. Initial laboratory testing also demonstrates the ability to detect the omicron variant. Additional laboratory testing is ongoing as a condition of the EUA, reissued on December 22, 2021.
There's a great deal more via the RNS link. VGLA
17.24 - here is a timeline example from the link in the recent RNS - pretty impressive!:
Issue Resolved: Tests Previously Expected to Fail to Detect the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant (As of 12/27/2021)
These tests have been modified or otherwise have addressed the issue of their inability to detect the omicron variant.
The list(s) of tests at the bottom of the doc included 'some' details of specific changes that have been made to tests to comply with FDA requirements. When combined with our own situation it casts light on the nature of modifications that Avacta might seek to make (and time scale). Interesting that they chose to provide a link to American requirements at this time.....
The RNS includes the following as I posted at 09.01. It raises many exciting prospects and goes some way (scroll down)to telling us about ''modifications'. Find at [1] VGLA:
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/sars-cov-2-viral-mutations-impact-covid-19-tests#omicronvariantimpact
There is helpful information in the RNS footnote link [1], especially lower down where specific test alterations are considered (a little). I also note, both in body text and footnote, that there are repeated references to mutations in Omicron which is, clearly, a moving target. VGLA:
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/sars-cov-2-viral-mutations-impact-covid-19-tests#omicronvariantimpact