What is AptameX?
AptameX is a new form of rapid test that uses aptamer’s instead of antigen’s as a means of detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As a result of using a different material, we have been able to design a friendlier and better customer experience and achieve higher degrees of accuracy than nearly all other rapid tests, at a cost even lower to the end consumer.
As we move beyond the acute phase of the pandemic and whilst vaccina… Combination of ultra low cost, highly accurate testing along with the rising availability of therapeutics, may present an option to the vast majority of people to ameliorate the effects of covid-19 on society, and to let everyone get on with their lives.
How does it work?
Our first product is in the form of a user friendly saliva based test. A Patient simply has a mouthwash, using a standard non alcoholic dental mouthwash, rinses with water, and then spits into a sample collection tube. The sample is then diluted in water, and added to a Cuvette containing our active compound. Wait 10 minutes, then add a salt quench. Wait 1 minute. Then scanned by a standard UV Spectrophotometer.
The test is different to other rapid tests. Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that bind to specific targets via shape recognition, with high affinity and specificity. They’re synthetic, can be produced cheaply and in scale.
And is bound to gold nanoparticles suspended in a solution.. In the presence of SARS .. The Aptamer is encoded to recognize the S2 sub part of the S1 spike protein and reacts. The effects of the reaction are visible when subjected to a Spectrophotometer and evaluated with software. The results are then sent to our user through Teman Sehat app.
For more information, see our FAQ.
How does it compare to other testing solutions?
Due to performance advantages of DNA Aptamers over Antigens, we have been able to achieve comparative results to a PCR test at substantially lower viral loads than other Rapid Test formats. Moreover, unlike either the complex supply chains of molecular approaches (PCR, LAMP, etc), or antigenic approaches that rely on adapting the immune cells of some other animal, an Aptamer based solution is based on synthetic materials that in a precision environment can be produced at substantial scale. DNA Aptamers, unlike Antigens are implicitly more specific and more stable, again offering advantages over other testing formats.
What does the future hold?
We believe there are three key parts to our future.
As the world learns to live with Covid, a more practical and user friendly approach to testing is needed. And the experience will move from a negative model of test and quarantine, to test and grab a therapeutic. The key to confidence ….
The product is separated into the sampling and software, plus the spectrophotometer. May be packaged with other approved spectrophotometers to provide a more convenient solution.
One thing the Pandemic has done is to accelerate a shift to new technologies in healthcare delivery. From the revolution in vaccination to telehealth. We believe aptamer’s can also revolutionize healthcare through …. . And are evaluating a range of other diagnostics for other applications.
