Wetherby drug developer's lateral flow tests shown to detect the Omicron variant

Drug developer Avacta Group has said the lateral flow test it produces has been shown to detect the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in clinical samples.
By Ismail Mulla
Published 15th Dec 2021, 07:14 BST
Updated 15th Dec 2021, 07:16 BST
Dr Alastair Smith said: "As this variant is more infectious, it is important that it can be detected in individuals with higher loads using lateral flow tests so that its spread can be slowed down."Dr Alastair Smith said: "As this variant is more infectious, it is important that it can be detected in individuals with higher loads using lateral flow tests so that its spread can be slowed down."
Dr Alastair Smith said: "As this variant is more infectious, it is important that it can be detected in individuals with higher loads using lateral flow tests so that its spread can be slowed down."

The Omicron variant, with more than 35 mutations of the original virus, first appeared in South Africa a few weeks ago and was designated a variant of concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 26 November 2021. The UK has now reported over 3,000 cases of this more infectious variant of the virus.

Wetherby-based Avacta's AffiDX SARS-CoV-2 antigen lateral flow test has been evaluated at the Carlos III Hospital in Madrid using a small number of actual patient samples confirmed to be Omicron variant positive.

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The results indicate that the AffiDX antigen test detects the new Omicron variant in addition to all previously identified new variants of concern.

Dr Alastair Smith, CEO of Avacta Group, said: "We are delighted to confirm that the AffiDX® SARS-CoV-2 antigen lateral flow test detects the Omicron variant.

"As this variant is more infectious, it is important that it can be detected in individuals with higher loads using lateral flow tests so that its spread can be slowed down.

"We are progressing with our application to the CTDA in order to put the AffiDx product on the market in the UK, as well as continuing to pursue commercial opportunities in Europe and further afield for the professional-use test.

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"We also continue to work with our partners, Medusa 19 Healthcare, to obtain the CE mark for consumer self-testing for the product which is a critical next step in the commercialisation of the product."

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Related topics:OmicronWetherbyCovid-19World Health OrganisationSouth Africa