Novel ApameR-Based Rapid Test Technology for Virus Detection

Introduction

Rapid care tests and patient-oriented bedside testing, termed as point of care (POC) testing, have proven unanticipated relevance for the fast detection and containment of the pathogen in the course of the corona pandemic. We have developed RNA aptamer-based sensors as a basis for a novel rapid care test.

Sensor Functionality

The sensor will give a fluorescent signal once the target molecule attaches to its aptameric site. The sensor, as the main component of a novel POC test, will be produced by a cheap and scalable biotechnological synthesis.

Unique Selling Points

The unique selling points of our invention are:

• The cheap and scalable production of the sensor molecule
• High flexibility in terms of analytes that can be covered by aptamers

Use Case

To prove our concept and to demonstrate the applicability of our aptamer sensors, we will choose the avian influenza virus as a use case, based on the high relevance of this disease in veterinary medicine and its perception as a high-risk disease for the next human pandemic.

Compliance with WHO Criteria

Our test will comply with the ASSURED criteria of the WHO:

• Affordability
• Sensitivity
• Specificity
• User friendliness
• Rapid and robust
• Equipment-free
• Deliverable to end-users

Project Goals

Our aim is to establish an RNA aptamer-based sensor as a basis for a cheap single-use test according to the ASSURED criteria.

Development Process

In this action, we will:

1. Establish the applicability of our highly sensitive and selective RNA-based sensor.
2. Develop a prototype of a POC test and test the novel sensor principle under laboratory and environmental conditions.
3. Analyze the market and patent situation and the steps to be taken for approval by the European authorities.
4. Establish our own IPR position as a basis for the further road-to-the-market.