By Samuel Indyk
Investing.com – Avacta Group PLC (LON:AVTG), the AIM-listed biotechnology company, has responded to press speculation regarding the usage of its SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test by the UK government.
Weekend reports
Over the weekend, reports in UK press incorrectly stated that a saliva-based rapid antigen test from Avacta had been evaluated at Porton Down, the home of Public Health England.
“In fact, the evaluated test was the anterior nasal swab test that has subsequently generated the excellent initial clinical performance data,” Avacta said in a statement. “However, in its evaluation Porton Down used artificial samples and did not use clinical samples.”
The company previously announced on February 16th the first clinical trial data for its SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test which showed “excellent” performance in identifying patients with an infectious viral load.
The company said it is now progressing to a full clinical validation with a larger number of patient samples in order to obtain a CE mark for the test for professional use, aiming to bring it to market by the end of Q1 2021.
“We believe an accurate, rapid antigen test, that has been appropriately validated, will help to limit the spread of the coronavirus and support the safe return to work and play,” Avacta said.
“In the UK, the DHSC is a potential customer and partner in the roll out of such a validated test.
“While Avacta continues to be in dialogue with the DHSC, and with other organisations in the UK and abroad, with a view to future supply of its rapid antigen test, it is prioritising the full clinical validation of its nasal swab-based SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test as a pre-requisite for CE marking and broad commercialisation.”