nir-vana innovation network

During the current coronavirus pandemic the development of accurate and rapid diagnostics tests have become a clear need. There are two challenges to this. Firstly, such tests require high quality authentic SARS-CoV-2 trimeric spike protein, which is not easy to make. Secondly, the tests and therefore the protein need to keep pace with emerging mutations in the virus protein.

A UK-based biotechnology SME specialises in making such hard to produce proteins. They use a stable scalable production system in cultured human cells ensuring an authentic antigenic protein that has all the correct post-translational modifications. They are also able to make proteins to reflect the mutations that arise globally. Their spike protein is therefore an ideal key component of both laboratory-based and lateral flow testing kits and enable them to reach the highest possible performance through increased specificity and sensitivity.

The UK-based SME is looking to partner with SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test developers who would be interested in using the spike antigen as a key reagent or are interested in joint development of SARs-CoV-2 diagnostic tests. The SME would provide the protein and would expect information back on performance to inform further development. It is envisaged that the partnership would take the form of a manufacturing agreement, a technical cooperation or a research cooperation dependent on particular circumstances.

Advantages & innovations

The UK-based SME's technology has the following advantages: Generates authentic antigen has all correct post-translational modifications confirmed by independent multi-site in-depth structural and functional analyses. Mutations found in the spike protein can be incorporated. Rapid generation of new variants - within weeks.

Stage of development

Already on the market

Partner sought

The UK-based SME is looking to partner with other biotechnology or diagnostics companies that are developing or manufacturing laboratory-based or lateral flow tests for coronavirus. The SME will provide partners with protein and expect input and feedback in terms of performance to inform further development. It is envisaged that the partnership will take the form of a manufacturing agreement, technical cooperation agreement or a research cooperation agreement. The type of partnership will depend on the specific circumstances of the partner and their project.