AbC-19^TM IgG LFD successfully used semi-quantitively to monitor vaccine responses to variant proteins

-      AbC-19^TM able to detect different levels of antibody response to the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines as well as those post-infection  

-      Antibody testing has the potential to be a key tool in maintaining public safety, confidence in the vaccines and supporting effective vaccine booster campaigns

York, U.K. 27 July 2021:  Abingdon Health plc (AIM: ABDX) ("Abingdon" or "the Company"), a leading international developer and manufacturer of high quality and effective rapid tests, is pleased to note the publication of an article illustrating the use of the AbC-19^TM IgG spike antibody lateral flow device (AbC-19^TM LFD) in semi-quantitative format and antibody responses against covid variants of concern.

The article demonstrates that AbC-19^TM is able to monitor antibody response following vaccination or natural infection. The paper shows differences in strength of antibody response with the Pfizer and AstraZeneca ("AZ") vaccines and the induced antibody responses to the original Wuhan variant, on which the vaccines are based. It also shows that these antibodies cross-react to the 'spike protein' of different variants of concern. This study was conducted using the AbC-19^TM LFD and prototypes based on different covid variants.  The  results demonstrated a stronger antibody response in those vaccinated by Pfizer, compared to AZ, whilst noting the cohort vaccinated with AZ were older, which the authors noted may have an effect on antibody response.

The authors used a semi-quantitative score card to record the strength of the test-line response on the LFD.   They illustrated pictorially and in graphical format a proportional response of line intensity to the concentrations of neutralising antibodies in a serial dilution  of the WHO standard 20/136 from 1000 IU/mL down to 7.8 IU/mL which covers the range that previous research has shown to be indicative of immunity. (The WHO standard 20/136 is for the calibration and harmonization of serological assays detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies).

The article by researchers at the University of Birmingham is published as: Ebanks, D et al, "Cross reactivity of serological response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination with viral variants of concern detected by lateral flow immunoassays" Journal of Infection on 26^th July 2021. To view the full paper, please click here.

Chris Yates, Chief Executive Officer of Abingdon Health commented: "With the successful roll-out of vaccinations in the UK and many other countries, it is now imperative that we monitor the neutralising antibody levels in the worldwide population to maintain the safety of the public and instill confidence in people as they return to normal life. This study demonstrates how AbC-19^TM can be used to monitor antibody response alongside vaccines as well as the neutralising antibody response following  natural infection. The AbC-19^TM test will allow individuals to know their own status, which is becoming a growing concern, and allow healthcare agencies and healthcare professionals worldwide to manage the continued vaccination roll-out and to develop effective and targeted booster vaccination programmes. The study also shows the ability of our scientists to pivot the format of the test if other variants of concern present which generate a different antibody response.

Importantly, due to the utility of the score card used alongside the AbC-19^TM test for these applications, Abingdon intends to make a supplementary product available, initially for research use only,  in August which provides a semi-quantitative result which will may indicate the strength of antibody response and possibly immunity."

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About Abingdon Health

Abingdon Health is a world leading developer and manufacturer of high-quality rapid tests across all industry sectors, including healthcare and COVID-19. Abingdon is the partner of choice for a growing global customer base and takes projects from initial concept through to routine and large-scale manufacturing and has also developed and marketed its own labelled tests.

The Company offers product development, regulatory support, technology transfer and manufacturing services for customers looking to develop new assays or transfer existing laboratory-based assays to a lateral flow format.  Abingdon Health aims to support the increase in need for rapid results across many industries and locations and produces lateral flow tests in areas such as infectious disease, clinical testing including companion diagnostics, animal health and environmental testing. Faster access to results allows for rapid decision making, targeted intervention and can support better outcomes. This ability has a significant role to play in improving life across the world. To support this aim Abingdon Health has also developed AppDx®, a customisable image capturing technology that transforms a smartphone into a self-sufficient, standalone lateral-flow reader.

Founded in 2008, Abingdon Health is headquartered in York, England.

https://www.abingdonhealth.com/