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OMEGA DIAGNOSTICS GROUP PLC

("Omega" or the "Company" or the "Group")

AbC-19TM test to monitor vaccine responses to variants of concern

AbC-19TM able to detect antibody response to different vaccines as well as natural infection

Omega (AIM: ODX), the medical diagnostics company focused on Global Health (CD4 and COVID-19) and Health and Nutrition, notes the publication of an article illustrating the use of the AbC-19™ rapid antibody test ("AbC-19™"), semi-quantitively, to monitor antibody responses against variants of concern. The AbC-19™ is a lateral flow test for the detection of neutralising IgG antibodies to the full trimeric spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The article demonstrates that the AbC-19TM is able to monitor antibody response following vaccination or natural infection. The paper shows differences in strength of antibody response with the Pfizer and AstraZeneca ("AZ") vaccines and the induced antibody responses to the original Wuhan variant, on which the vaccines are based. It also shows that these antibodies cross-react to the 'spike protein' of different variants of concern. This study was conducted using the AbC-19TM and prototypes based on different covid variants. The results demonstrated a stronger antibody response in those vaccinated by Pfizer, compared to AZ, whilst noting the cohort vaccinated with AZ were older, which the authors noted may have an effect on antibody response.

The authors used a semi-quantitative score card to record the strength of the test-line response on the AbC-19TM. They illustrated pictorially, and in graphical format, a proportional response of line intensity to the concentrations of neutralising antibodies in a serial dilution of the WHO standard 20/136 from 1000 IU/mL down to 7.8 IU/mL which covers the range that previous research has shown to be indicative of immunity. The WHO standard 20/136 is for the calibration and harmonization of serological assays detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies.

The article by researchers at the University of Birmingham is published as: Ebanks, D et al, "Cross reactivity of serological response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination with viral variants of concern detected by lateral flow immunoassays" Journal of Infection on 26 July 2021.

The full paper can be viewed here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163445321003637

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About the UK-RTC

The UK Rapid Test Consortium (UK-RTC) was founded in response to a UK Government call for businesses to work together on a rapid antibody test to be rolled out nationally. Led by Abingdon Health, it's members also include, BBI Solutions, CIGA Healthcare and Omega Diagnostics. The Abc-19TM is approved in Europe and the UK for professional use and is available for sale.

About the AbC-19™ Rapid Test 

The AbC-19™ Rapid Test is a single use test for the detection of neutralising IgG antibodies to the full trimeric spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in human capillary whole blood.