The licence is for a new testing method that is just as sensitive as PCR, but faster than a lateral flow test
The method is just as sensitive as both PCR and LAMP tests - currently used in hospital settings - and is also faster and more sensitive than lateral flow tests, enabling detection at low viral levels. Credit: 24K-Production
A unique testing method invented at the University of Birmingham (UK) is set for a global rollout after its commercial rights were exclusively licensed to the world’s largest COVID-19 test provider, Innova Medical Group, Inc.
Known as Reverse Transcription-Free EXPAR (RTF-EXPAR) testing, this new technology offers detection in as little as 10 minutes.
The speed of the test is based, in part, on its avoidance of slower, reverse transcriptase-based technologies, and provides the ease of use and speed of lateral flow tests with the sensitivity of PCR testing.
Detailed test evaluations reveal the method delivers a fast, accurate, highly sensitive and simple test for COVID-19, meaning the test could be deployed at entertainment venues, airport arrival terminals, and in remote settings where clinical testing laboratories are not available.
The RTF technology developed at the University of Birmingham hits a testing sweet spot. It’s just as sensitive as PCR and LAMP tests, but without the time constraints and laboratory equipment required for these methods. Our team has been searching globally for advanced diagnostics technologies to manage the current pandemic and mitigate future healthcare challenges. We were deeply impressed by the RTF testing method and all it has to offer. The team behind it deserve enormous credit for their innovation.
The method is just as sensitive as both PCR and LAMP tests - currently used in hospital settings - and is also faster and more sensitive than lateral flow tests, enabling detection at low viral levels.
Crucially, it can be used with testing techniques which bypass the need for laboratory equipment, and this is expected to reduce delays in waiting for test results, which currently require samples to be sent to specialist laboratories.
The assay was invented and tested at the University of Birmingham, which found its sensitivity to be equivalent to quantitative PCR testing.
The RFT test rapidly amplifies small quantities of viral genetic material, producing a detectable signal within 10 minutes, much faster than PCR or LAMP testing, and even quicker than lateral flow tests.
EXPAR amplifies DNA at a single temperature, thus avoiding lengthy heating and cooling steps found in PCR. However, while LAMP also uses a single temperature for amplification, EXPAR is a simpler and a more direct process, in which much smaller strands are amplified. This makes EXPAR an even faster DNA amplification technique than not only PCR but also LAMP.
This new RTF-EXPAR testing platform is also being adapted for the detection of other viruses, meaning the tests can be quickly adapted to cover both new variants and new viruses.
The technology’s new license holder, Innova Medical Group, is the world’s largest provider of lateral flow tests. The company is aiming to accelerate RTF-EXPAR’s global rollout for widespread use by 2023.
Robert Kasprzak, Chief Executive Officer at Innova, said: “The RTF technology developed at the University of Birmingham hits a testing sweet spot. It’s just as sensitive as PCR and LAMP tests, but without the time constraints and laboratory equipment required for these methods.
“We’re excited about accelerating RTF’s growth and further complementing our current portfolio of healthcare diagnostic products, strengthening the pandemic management solutions we offer to global customers.
“Our team has been searching globally for advanced diagnostics technologies to manage the current pandemic and mitigate future healthcare challenges. We were deeply impressed by the RTF testing method and all it has to offer. The team behind it deserve enormous credit for their innovation.
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic's outbreak, our team has delivered more than 1.5 billion lateral flow tests to customers worldwide, with this new licensing agreement underscoring our nimble approach and commitment to innovate. Our aim is to provide effective, high-quality diagnostic products at reasonable prices to more people around the world.”
Professor Tim Dafforn from the University of Birmingham said: “The RFT test rapidly amplifies small quantities of viral genetic material, producing a detectable signal within 10 minutes, much faster than PCR or LAMP testing, and even quicker than lateral flow tests.
“The reverse transcription and amplification steps slow down existing COVID assays like LAMP and PCR, which are based on nucleic acid detection. An ideal test would have the ‘best of both worlds’ - both sufficiently sensitive and speedy.
“The new RTF test achieves that goal in two ways. Firstly, the assay team designed a new RNA-to-DNA conversion step that avoids reverse transcription and secondly, the amplification step to generate the read-out signal uses EXPAR, an alternative DNA amplification process.
Professor James Tucker from the University of Birmingham said: “EXPAR amplifies DNA at a single temperature, thus avoiding lengthy heating and cooling steps found in PCR. However, while LAMP also uses a single temperature for amplification, EXPAR is a simpler and a more direct process, in which much smaller strands are amplified. This makes EXPAR an even faster DNA amplification technique than not only PCR but also LAMP.”
For media information contact Jake Setterfield at tigerbond, email: jake.setterfield@tigerbond.com
Innova Medical Group, wholly owned by Pasaca Capital, Inc., is a global health screening and diagnostic innovator driven to dramatically improve health outcomes worldwide with equitable, high-value testing solutions. From delivering more than 2 billion COVID-19 rapid test kits to customers worldwide since the beginning of the pandemic, to providing critical vaccines, including highly sought-after WHO approved COVID-19 vaccines to the world population, Innova is committed to improving the human condition globally. Our strategic and iterative approach enables us to manufacture, distribute, and deploy myriad accessible tests customised to meet and empower the user at their point of need. With a panoramic vision spanning the present to the future, we develop trusted solutions that are both intuitive and secure to use. We quickly and nimbly became the world’s largest provider of COVID-19 tests, and we are determined to execute on this model across infectious disease, other chronic conditions and wellness.
For more information on Innova Medical Group, please visit: https://innovamedgroup.com/
The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 6,500 international students from over 150 countries.
University of Birmingham Enterprise helps researchers turn their ideas into new services, products and enterprises that meet real-world needs. We also support innovators and entrepreneurs with mentoring, advice, and training and manage the University’s Academic Consultancy Service. View our portfolio of technologies available for licensing.
Professor of Biotechnology
Professor Tim Dafforn has established himself as an expert in biophysical spectroscopy with a keen interest in synthetic biology.
Professor of Supramolecular Chemistry
Staff profile for Professor James Tucker
