Abstract
U.K.-based Iceni Diagnostics is developing a home-use SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic using glycan biology with the goal of having the test validated by autumn. Work on the hand-held device is being conducted at the University of East Anglia & John Innes Centre (JIC) spin-out and supported by scientists at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, led by its director, professor Rob Field, co-founder of Iceni Diagnostics.
The prototype device uses lateral flow technology similar to a home pregnancy test and gives a simple yes/no answer of the presence of the virus from a nasopharyngeal swab sample, in about 15 minutes.
While the test is undergoing clinical assessment, Iceni Diagnostics is in parallel working to ensure that mass production can be rolled out once validation is completed. Product development manager Chris Liggett said that the firm is “in discussions with two leading lateral flow device manufacturers who have the capacity and availability to support our launch plans for both the U.K. and overseas markets.”
Early evaluation on SARS-CoV-2 clinical samples has yielded “promising results,” she said. “We still have independent validation and early-phase manufacturing to pin down ahead of making devices available.”
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