Some comments on the RNS22 Feb 2021 08:14
Firstly, see the following sub-title, which introduced the RNS with subject of discussion in relation to the UK GOV TAKE-UP of the AVCT test;
"Avacta Group plc (AIM: AVCT), the developer of Affimer® biotherapeutics and reagents, notes the recent press speculation about UK Government TAKE-UP of Avacta's lateral flow SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test"
TAKE-UP? No denial re the TAKE-UP - which the article suggests will be HUGE from April.
Note that the content does not discuss the TAKE-UP, instead only corrects the following;
"The press report this weekend incorrectly stated that a saliva-based rapid antigen test from Avacta had been evaluated at Porton Down. In fact, the evaluated test was the anterior nasal swab test that has subsequently generated the excellent initial clinical performance data outlined above. However, in its evaluation Porton Down used artificial samples and did not use clinical samples"
The RNS is very carefully drafted, undoubtedly scripted by the lawyers. It is designed to calm the market (from exploding) while also leaving room for BOJO to update the world later today, followed by AVCT.
In hindsight, if you were prevented from announcing such news to the market prior to BOJO, this is exactly how you would draft the RNS!
GLA