Specificity enhancing reagent for robust SARS-CoV-2 serology testing

As part of the COVID-19 pandemic response, measuring the presence of an immune response to SARS-CoV-2 will be widely used to determine whether individuals have acquired immunity. Antibodies bind to specific sites on viral proteins. Measuring the presence of antibodies that can bind SARS-CoV-2 proteins in the plasma and serum can provide information about whether an individual is immune.

This is a critical testing approach for monitoring the effectiveness of vaccines during clinical trials and after launch.

The challenge is that common coronaviruses that cause the common cold are widespread in the population and have similar viral protein structures to SARS-CoV-2\. This means that for some individuals, when they are tested for immunity, their existing antibodies against common coronavirus proteins may bind SARS-CoV-2 proteins, generating a measurable signal and an incorrect result.

This individual will be told that they have immunity against SARS-CoV-2 when they are not immune and may expose themselves to a higher risk in their daily activities. Ultimately, this will lead to a higher rate of avoidable infections and associated hospitalisations, with wider economic and social impacts.

Apis Assay Technologies Ltd. aims to develop a novel, innovative reagent to block common coronavirus antibodies from binding SARS-CoV-2 viral protein. This means that any measurable signal generated from antibodies binding SARS-CoV-2 proteins will be due to the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, therefore drastically reducing the likelihood of an incorrect result.

This innovative reagent has potential to address a large global vaccine monitoring market with high return on investment. Apis Assay Technologies Ltd. plans two commercial product launches - **1)** a stand-alone reagent that can be used to adapt and improve performance of any compatible 3rd party immunity test; **2)** a highly competitive immunity test with the reagent integrated.

For maximum penetration of the market, Apis Assay Technologies Ltd. strives to fast-track product development to facilitate early access to these products.