COVID-19 test effective in diagnosing new strain

LEI: 213800FLQUB9J289RU66

24 December 2020

BATM Advanced Communications Limited

("BATM" or "the Group")

BATM confirms effectiveness of its COVID-19 test in diagnosing new strain of virus

COVID-19 tests effective in detecting the SARS-CoV-2 variant observed in the UK and elsewhere

BATM (LSE: BVC; TASE: BVC), a leading provider of real-time technologies for networking solutions and medical laboratory systems, announces that its COVID-19 kit has been tested against the new SARS-CoV-2 variant - the virus that causes COVID-19 - that is being observed as rapidly spreading in the UK and elsewhere and the Group can confirm that it is effective in diagnosing this new strain.

The new SARS-CoV-2 variant, referred to as SARS-CoV-2 VUI 202012/01, is defined by multiple spike (S) protein mutations as well as mutations in other genomic regions. The Group, in partnership with Tor Vergata University, continually tests its kits against any mutation that is perceived to be clinically material to ensure its kits are accurately able to detect all known variants of COVID-19.

The Group's COVID-19 antigen test has 4+1 gene discovery capability, including the S protein, compared with a market standard of one to three gene discovery. This enables it to provide more accurate results, reducing the risk of false positives and false negatives. The Group is now offering its 4+1 kit as its standard COVID-19 antigen test, which is being delivered to several private and government customers in Europe and other geographies.

Dr Zvi Marom, CEO of BATM, said: "I am pleased to confirm that our COVID-19 tests are effective in accurately detecting all COVID-19 variants, including in those infected with this latest mutation. Viruses constantly change through mutation and our diagnostics platform has been built on our recognition that we must always think of the future. As a result, we were able to rapidly develop COVID-19 tests in response to the outbreak and those kits have been designed to be effective against the emergence of new variants."

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