Member Info for RorkesDrift

Echo's of the Reverend

Timelines from the past.

As our resident expert Monkshood as stated commercially available recombinant proteins matching the new variant will be quickly available.

1 week. Test these proteins with binding assay to ensure they are representative.

Week 2-3. Phage display - generate affimer options

Week 4-5. Screen and sequence to determine best options - includes checking for cross reactivity

Weeks 6-9. Characterise chosen affirmers

Then we are into new territory. LTH will remember the multiple deals with LFD manufacturers. However, it took nearly 12 months to get news obstacles had been overcome. Given lessons learnt then this would not take as long but that is an assumption.

Then there is the real world clinical testing. I think Spain are pivotal although lab results may be enough for regulators.

Then there are regulators - Avacta now have quality certification in place. They also have established the initial test with CEMark - allowed to sell.

Then usage approval. Will HUA in Europe cover new variant tests automatically.

There again maybe current test already works.

Monday

Thank you for the post. Interesting point, well made.

I hesitate to point out yesterdays prediction

"Also won't be posting for a while just reading for the one or two worth while opinions and information".

Question. If you pay your costs like staff, council tax etc in a devaluing Turkish lira and sell your goods in euro do you have a comparative advantage.

If the protein has changed shape why would the affimers not need tweaking. The concept of recognition applies to endogenous antibodies, vaccine provoked antibodies, Abs in DX and Avacta affimers.

Touk - get what you are saying - it kind of matches the general belief but not thrtone here - bit harsh view of people given what's been said by the majority. Maybe others cling to the hope that this time around the lessons have been learned - my own thought is they no longer expect and rely on UK to help with samples and testing. Spain offers the facilities needed and conveniently also enables Europe.

Hang in there (or consider selling but...)

Is QconCATs a new conspiracy group?

:-)

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

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

Could well be that current tests are not accurate for the new variant.

1. Tests differ e.g. N protein, S protein. There accuracy against new variant will also vary

2. Avacta test may be equally affected requiring new reagents.

3. Current sales don't seem to favour best test. Cheap tests seem to be what people want.

4. People dont want tests that don't work

5. All providers will pivot to new variant. We go back to square 1

Perhaps Avacta will leverage the benefits of speed affirmers promise. First time for everything.

I really, really hope they do. Spain is key.

Fair enough but how many families are even aware of and given they are for professional use how would they even get hold of them. Public assumes that MHRA have said they are fit for purpose.

Oh hang on....

I for one am incredibly grateful for the numerous timelines his lordship has shared over the last 18 months. It makes me feel there is at least one banjo player dumber than everyone else.

Not bashing but does anyone except shareholders give a toss this is the best test. It is almost a chant on here - myself included but I don't see a single example where it has mattered.

Looking at sales and IIs it would appear what is in demand is cheap, good enough tests. Either Avacta can go as cheap or we focus on market segments that require such precision - that then puts us up against PCR.

Our best bet may be that demand outstrips supply and we get in as a generic. Alternatively we move production somewhere East of Weatherby and become a low cost producer.

Fairly easy to track down who is in charge of account and ring her. Think she knows what she is doing so likely they haven't been briefed by client, have been told to hold back or there is nothing to say. Are you sure your question is not better directed at the Nomad

If all else fails direct message the gimp mask and he will ring AS for you directly. It means stepping into his dream world so I'd wear your wellies and don't accept his offer of tea and biscuits.

Wonder if UK learn. Seem to be first out of the blocks in terms of travel ban. Absolutely makes sense to go down affimer route to generate new reagents quickly. However, I'm not sure that means those in charge in UK will go down that route - wouldn't be surprised to hear samples are already on the way to China in order that Abs can be generated. Additionally there seems to be some confusion as to whether Avacta test contains Abs and affimers.

I suspect out best hope is Spain or if we have aa sequence, can we generate the new S protein in order to generate affimers and rinse and repeat.

On the plus side Avacta have quality approval and friendly Spanish testing in place. Current regulatory approval steps are in place - hope new affimers count as a variation (regulatory) rather then a new test. Who knows.

To our resident gimp.

I recommend googling Marketing 101, Porters Generic Strategies and the wiki entry for value for money. Perhaps stay off the custard creams for awhile.

No worries :-)

New affirmers are very quick to turn around and produce new tests - more relevant now than the time to perform a test.

However, avacta struggled to get samples to test against in the UK - both lab and clinical. Might need the Spanish to help out.

Avacta and LG Chem have a multi-target therapeutics development agreement to develop Affimer® therapeutics in several disease areas.

The partnership also provides LG Chem with rights to develop and commercialise other Affimer® and non-Affimer biotherapeutics combined with Affimer XT® half-life extension for a range of indications and Avacta could earn up to $55m in milestone payments for each of these new products.

Whilst cash doesn't arrive all at once it might match cash flow out. Proverbial hockey stick once sales hit market (which is likely to be post 2023) but Avacta looks to be a sum of the parts. lg probably sharpening their pencils ready to move should someone else show strong interest.