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Innova, the only test to have completed phase 4 trials, and all the remaining Aptamer based LFDs use Aptamers for one reason. THEY CAN'T USE AFFIMERS, they are using a process like PCR that was developed over 30 years ago. True advances in the manufacture has improved however Aptamers are produced using a process called SELEX. I am not fully versed in this technique and what I have picked up so far it is not an easy process , maybe someone could enlighten us.. All the big Pharma use Antibodies or Aptamers because that's all there is, as simple as that. Innova, DeepBlue, Orient Gene all Chinese, Robert Tan Gao, Taiwan, Surescreen Australian and Roche. Not one Sovereign test in the bunch. Confess to be being slightly biased here , the top European Centre for Virus Research at Glasgow Uni was selected by Avacta to evaluate the Affimer performance as a binder and an inhibitor to the Covid virus, POTENT was the adjective used. To my knowledge all the Aptamer LFDs use brain or throat spears, we use nasal swabs, which makes me think the rest can't. It would also be logical to assume if our LFD uses a simpler method of sampling it could be a tad more sensitive to the virus. Myles has supposedly talked of risk , Aptamers or Affimers, weighing up all the risks involved my money stays with Avacta.
medRix have published a copy of the latest Covid19 LFD Assessment Team Report dated 15th Jan. Professor Tim Peto of Oxford Uni is the author. In short he explains why the Innova LFD was selected for field testing and the remaining test were not. Innova were the only ones who could supply the amount of test kits required, a total of 6954. All the remaining LDFs went through phase 3 tests in the Lab and had a Sensitivity of ( 70 - 80 % ) and a Specificity of ( 99.7 % ). This is were the impression these LFDs are not up to the job originates. The nous behind using LFDs was to pick up people with high viral loads, the super spreaders, even the CEO highlighted this fact. Surprisingly all the LFDs submitted had a S&S of ( > 90% & 99.7% ) at high viral loads, (Ct<25 ) was the figure quoted. The conclusion of the report was; the simplicity of LFDs without the requirement for specialist training or equipment means that they are an attractive option for mass testing. Avacta have an LFD that can detect high viral loads, looking good.
The latest report from PHE, Port Down and Oxford Uni states all the tests under validation pick up high viral loads of the virus. The figure stated was a Ct < 25 producing a Sensitivity of > 90% and a Specificity of >99.7%. The Sensitivity falls dramatically as the viral load reduces. LFDs main function has always been to identify the super spreaders , job done. All Avacta have to do is join the team and produce as many tests as possible. If you believe we cannot produce such a test imo you are mistaken. Nobody is going to produce an LFD that can detect very low viral loads like BAMS or PCR , let the vaccine do it's job. Test using LFDs picking up the super spreaders and we have a chance of containing the virus. Next on the agenda an Affimer inhibitor to go along with Stem Cell treatment of Long Covid. We can also help pick up covid at source in detecting the virus in wastewater utilising Affimer technology in partnership with Deepverge. Never ending Flow of magical Affimers.
I hold Deepverge shares and although the CEO joined the board of Modern Water before the takeover does not mean the same principal applies with MSYS. As for the connection between MSYS and AVCT if you have bought shares on this basis you certainly have not carried out any due diligence prior to any purchase. There is a connection between DVRG and AVCT via Affimers we know that.
Retireby40 the concept of detecting covid at source via wastewater detection has not been fully appreciated by many. It will be well down the pecking line in the race to restrict this virus. The ability to detect the virus in seconds, relay the information as to the location and initiate rapid testing is a serious game changer imo. The penny will drop very soon I hope on this exciting new technology. Deepverge with their outgoing CEO will hopefully educate the masses.
leewill ( Google - Roche Aptamers ) for a variety of links , Aptamers dominate their product list. They cannot use Affimers, and Antibodies are a definite no go, what's left to implement a Rapid POC Biosensor.
Roche/ SD Biosensor have developed a 15min covid test using nasopharynx swabs . The binding agent involved is an Aptamer giving a test sensitivity of 96.52% and a specificity of 99.68%. Avacta released this statement in 2014, an Affimer is not an Aptamer. Affimer technology has been engineered to overcome many of the problems associated with Aptamers or with Antibodies and possess a Number of Unique Benefits. In my opinion Affimers will produce at least the S&S submitted by Roche. This is based on the fact, SD Biosensor produce an ELISA test as do Avacta and the CEO stated to his knowledge our test produced the best results of any ELISA tests he knows of. Affimers v Aptamers you take your pick, is it safe to say we now know our S&S is going to be very good. We don't use brain ticking swabs .
BBI are using readily available components and routine manufacturing processes RK , this was stated at the time when the preferred method of providing a sample changed from saliva to a nasal swab. Imo we are playing catch up, the quality of the test will hopefully prevail. A ray of hope might have emerged if anyone can confirm the Roche Rapid Antigen Test uses aptamers as the binding agent. Not being my field is an Affimer not an alternative, or dare I say a superior binding agent. Funny how Roche a billion pound company decided to develop this technology , what came first the Affimer or the Aptamer, maybe the chicken. Who cares muscle has got there first, doesn't make the tortoise a loser. Back to my day job, haggis hunting not getting any easier. A wee dram , set the traps, happy days this simple life.
GKB the delay imo surfaces from the wording from the latest LFD update, samples provided by NASAL swabs. It would appear saliva is not as effective as nasal swabs at this time. BBI have been the driving force in the production of the LFD and imagine they contributed to the change in tack on sample collection. I personally will worry when BBI sell their few million shares in Avacta, shares taken in lieu of payment for work carried out.
We have entered into clinical evaluation in parallel with manufacturing scale up of the LFD ( as from 22nd Dec update ) with the CEO expressing he was very happy indeed with the performance of the test in the Lab using spiked nasal samples. If all goes well in the clinical setting there will be a clear line of start to full clinical validation and CE marking. The validation timescale is unknown, however if the test is very good we should hear very soon. Not a great expression of time for some, we know the Affimers have excellent binding properties to the virus , a clear positive outlook for success. Good luck for the VERY NEAR future.
The need for Asymptomatic testing was recommended way back in 2017 covering a trial to identify a virus in livestock. Who were involved and I quote " THE AIM OF THE PROJECT WAS TO PRODUCE A NOVEL AFFIMER BASED LFD TO DETECT THE PRESENCE OF THE N PROTEIN IN THE VIRUS." The Affimers produced were found to bind against both of the targeted N proteins and distinguish between both strains. The Affimers were incorporated into a simple LFD as a direct replacement for the Antibody reagents generally used. Conclusion the use of the Affimer reagents in this application will have WIDE REACHING IMPLICATIONS AND PAVE THE WAY FOR THE USE OF POC DIAGNOSTICS. Further statements included. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS IN THE CONTROL OF AN INFECTIOUS DISEASE IS THE ABILTY TO DETECT THE VIRUS QUICKLY IN ORDER THAT FURTHER CONTROL PROCEDURES MAY BE EXEECUTED. HOWEVER IT IS OFTEN THE CASE INFECTIOUS DISEASES ARE DIFFICULT TO DETECT WITH CLINICAL SYMPTOMS NOT PRESENTING BEFORE THE VIRUS HAS SPREAD RAPIDLY AMONGST THE POPULATION. Conclusion: The implementation of a rapid POC Biosensor is an ideal method to replace the need for lengthy laboratory based tests. This study aims to produce a POC diagnostic test incorporating novel non Antibody components which could be used in Health and Agricultural settings. It's not Avacta who have missed the boat !!
Yet another Avacta treatment in partnership with Daewoong/Affyxell to help repair damaged lungs using stem cell
treatment. Avacta own 45% of Affyxell which has to be seen as a huge positive. Daewoong Pharma develop MSCs from a single donor to treat a large number of patients. This facilitates the development of Cell Therapies as off the shelf products. The dual companies vision TO PRODUCE THE NEXT GENERATION OF CELL THERAPIES. FOR WHICH THE POTENTIAL IS HUGE. We have only opened the door on this companies potential, mind blowing future imo.
A HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!
Thank you for the reply to my question, will look forward to the results of the field trials. This was not a criticism on how long DVRG are taking , the confirmation of the affimer performance was and this has been verified.
I am invested in DVRG/ AVCT, a question for GB, can you please give the reason why the validation process for wastewater covid detection is so slow. Avacta received over 7 months ago confirmation the Affimers provided to detect the virus spike have excellent binding properties. This endorsement came from the top European Centre For Virus Research at Glasgow Uni, why take months to verify what is already been proven. I believe the potential for both companies is massive in the medium to long term , however we appear to have been placed on the back burner in respect to the validation process. Testing using a live virus may be slowing down the process, your views on this subject would be appreciated.
The response to the latest RNS is no surprise, unlike the Americans we do not price a stock on potential anymore. So lets take the yanks approach to pricing a stock. Fact , Pro Doxorubicin will generate $50 million in upfront near term milestones. A further $300 - 500 million in pivotal & market authorisation milestones. Low to mid point single digit royalties. Avacta are working with Turfs Uni in America, doxorubicin has a one billion dollar drug market with all the side effects . A potential three to five billion market Pro Doxorubicin. Avacta have another 14 drugs in the pipeline for AVA 6000 , other companies with ongoing checkpoint inhibitor+ doxorubicin in clinical studies include AstraZenica, Roch, Pzier using antibodies. Avacta using affimers appear to be ahead of the big boys on this front and their SP rockets 5 pence. Aim Market the equivalent of $1 ,Nasdaq well pick a number. Affimers an alternative to antibodies, in some cases superior, do we have a slight edge in this case ?
The RNS comments from Steve Burton, Affimer reagents are a HIGH PERFORMANCE SUPERIOR alternative to antibodies. Used selectively to bind DIFFICULT TARGETS where antibodies and aptamers has shown LIMITATIONS. If comments like these cannot generate a positive vibe and demonstrate the vast potential of this company what will. Billions are spent developing antibodies, do some research and read what the CEO has to say on this subject. Might even lift the fog and behold a forest appears, too much then stick your head back in the sand.
I look on my investment with Avacta as a chance in a lifetime investment, that is my view based on facts. For starters when the top European Centre For Virus Research at Glasgow Uni reports and I quote. " Affimer reagents show that they are POTENT inhibitors of the Sars-Covid2 model virus entry into human cells . Given the EXCELLANT PERFOMANCE of these NOVEL reagents & the other benefits there should be CONSIDERABLE interest from potential partners in developing them as a THERAPY for Cov19. That was 7 months ago and no one has reacted to this ground breaking news. Daewoong / Affyxell are developing Stem cell / Affimer treatments for patients with severe lung damage caused by Covi 19, this can be extended into many other lung disorders. Pro- Doxorubicin, deals with Moderna, LG Chem, ADC theraputics I could go on and on. The BAMS and LFD are an unwelcome bonus and from what I read the main gripe for the short term investor who wants too make a quick buck. With all the evidence I have at my disposal all goes well , Avacta will produce Quality tests when ready to do so. Someone asked why NCYT and Innova can produce tests so quickly, one is using a 40 year old technology, the other performs adequately. Avacta with Excellent performance on many fronts is good enough for me. I can wait.
In June 2020 Avacta reported the Centre for Virus Research at Glasgow Uni confirmed the affimer reagents had excellent binding properties to the coronavirus spike. Furthermore the affimers inhibited the interaction between the virus spike protein and the receptor found on the human cell Ace2, thus blocking the first step in infecting cells. There is no doubting the performance of the affimers, therefore why doubt the performance levels of our test. Bams will be the gold standard and the rest will follow like clockwork. Have faith, Avacta will come good . Good luck to all who believe. This will be my one and only post .