Yorkshire firm makes breakthrough on test that detects virus in minutes

The Wetherby-based firm is collaborating with Cytiva to create a test that can diagnose the infection within minutes using a respiratory sample such as saliva.

The group said this is a huge leap in efficiency compared with current lab tests which can take several days to process.

The next step is developing a laboratory test for the SARS-COV-2 virus antigen within the next few weeks.

Avacta said it has successfully generated multiple reagents that bind the SARS-COV-2 viral antigen to develop a rapid test for the coronavirus infection.

Multiple, highly specific Affimer binders have now been generated that bind to the spike proteins of the SARS-COV-2 virus and do not cross-react with other very closely related viruses, such as SARS and MERS. Affimers are Avacta’s high-tech alternative to antibodies.

These Affimer binders will also be transferred to Cytiva shortly for use in a point-of-care test strip, similar in appearance to a pregnancy test, giving a visual read-out in minutes using a saliva sample.

Dr Alastair Smith, chief executive of Avacta, said: “The need for rapid antigen tests to diagnose Covid-19 infection that can be mass produced for rapid, professional screening of large populations, and for self-testing by consumers themselves, is crucial to limiting and tracking the spread of this disease.

”Antigen testing will also be critical to lockdown exit strategies around the world in order to get healthy, non-contagious people back to work to reboot economies, and there will be an ongoing need for several years for antigen testing as the disease recurs.

“We have made an excellent start to our collaboration with Cytiva and we expect to shortly be able to provide Affimer reagents to Cytiva to implement on their rapid test strip technology.”

Analyst Mark Brewer at FinnCap said the new test could play an important role in a very large market where current supply cannot meet global demand.

“Avacta has announced that after only four weeks, and well ahead of schedule, it has identified a number of highly specific Affimers that bind to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus,” he said.

“The upside, if successful, is substantial.

“How much of this market Avacta could garner will depend on the competitive environment, but the global market is expected to be for hundreds of millions of tests potentially as well as an ongoing need for antigen testing as the disease recurs.”

Dr Smith said the speed with which highly specific Affimer reagents can be generated is just one of the many significant advantages of the technology.

“I would like to publicly thank Avacta colleagues who have worked long hours and weekends to make astounding progress and generate Affimer reagents against a novel virus in only four weeks and well ahead of schedule,” he added.

Klaus Hochleitner, global lead, technology product specialist at Cytiva, said: “I am delighted and impressed with the rapid progress made by our partners at Avacta.”

Avacta owns the intellectual property relating to the SARS-COV-2 Affimer reagents and retains all commercial rights. It is in active discussion with other global diagnostic companies to develop Affimer-based Covid-19 antigen tests to increase testing capacity on a world-wide scale.