Fast & Accurate COVID-19 Saliva Test

The Evolving Landscape of COVID-19 and Workplace Biosecurity

A new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic is emerging, characterized by increased transmission rates due to the Delta variant. However, with accelerating vaccination efforts globally, the primary societal impact is shifting. Instead of healthcare systems becoming overwhelmed, widespread business disruptions caused by employee self-isolation, mandated by contact tracing protocols, are becoming the dominant concern.

A Scientific Basis for Enhanced Biosecurity

This assessment echoes a recent open letter issued by a collective of leading UK scientists to the government, outlining the anticipated trajectory of the pandemic. Consequently, the need for more effective workplace biosecurity measures is becoming increasingly critical.

Introducing Vatic’s ‘KnowNow’ Test

To address this need, a UK-based startup, Vatic, has developed a novel COVID-19 test called ‘KnowNow’. The company asserts that this test surpasses the accuracy of traditional lateral flow tests, while also offering faster results and a more user-friendly experience.

Key Features of the KnowNow Test

Requires only a simple saliva sample.
Facilitates secure test data sharing.
Generates a unique QR code ‘Passport’ for access control.

Securing Seed Funding for Expansion

Vatic has successfully secured $6.37 million in seed funding to facilitate the production and distribution of its at-home tests, beginning with the COVID-19 specific iteration.

Investment Details

The funding round was spearheaded by prominent London-based venture capital firms, LocalGlobe and Hoxton Ventures.

The Technology Behind KnowNow

Established in 2019, Vatic has engineered a saliva-based test focused on generating reliable data directly within the home environment. The test reportedly delivers results in under 15 minutes and aims to identify individuals who are currently infectious, minimizing the occurrence of false positives associated with tests detecting past infections.

Conventional antigen tests can exhibit a false positive rate as high as 1 in 200.

Enhanced Accuracy Through Biomimicry

The company explains that its test achieves improved accuracy by mimicking the surface of a human cell, fundamentally altering the design principles of lateral flow tests. This innovative approach effectively “enhances their accuracy”.

CE Mark Approval and App Integration

The KnowNow saliva-only rapid antigen test for COVID-19 has received CE mark approval for use in the UK. It is coupled with a dedicated app that enables instant sharing of at-home test results with healthcare providers or other relevant platforms.

The saliva self-swabbing method is demonstrably simpler and more comfortable than the current standard requiring swabs of the throat and nasal passages.

Vatic is currently conducting clinical trials in the United States to pursue Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA.

CEO’s Perspective on Test Adoption

Alex Sheppard, co-founder and CEO of Vatic, stated: “A key factor in the recent decline in rapid Covid-19 test usage is the discomfort and difficulty associated with the sampling process. To restore normalcy and minimize disruptions from future outbreaks in settings like offices, schools, and hospitality venues, we must simplify mass testing.”

He further emphasized the importance of the accompanying biosecurity technology, which allows users to generate unique QR codes for secure venue access.

How the Vatic Test Functions

Vatic’s technology focuses on detecting the ‘spike’ protein of the virus as an indicator of infectivity. Importantly, the company claims its test is resistant to viral mutations, ensuring its effectiveness against all COVID-19 variants.

A Platform for Future Viral Detection

Sheppard indicated that the Vatic test represents only the initial application of their technology. The platform is capable of detecting other infectious viruses by replicating the surface of a human cell.

“We targeted the portion of the Coronavirus that utilizes its spike protein to enter human cells, functioning like a hypodermic needle,” Sheppard explained. “This element interacts with our test, and we effectively mimic a human cell, a completely unique approach. The underlying chemistry differs significantly from traditional Lateral Flow Tests.”

Data Security and Privacy

The Vatic test incorporates an app linked to the saliva swab test, generating an encrypted QR code upon completion.

“This system shares similarities with the NHS testing process, but prioritizes user trust and data privacy,” Sheppard clarified. “Users are not required to submit personal information like their home address to a government website. While it complies with reporting requirements for notifiable diseases, it is designed to protect sensitive health data.”

Founding and Investment History

Sheppard and his co-founder, Mona Omir, initially connected at Oxford University’s Entrepreneur First accelerator program in September 2019. They have since secured funding from London investors and grant support from the Oxford Foundry / University of Oxford and Innovate UK.

Industry Expert Commentary

Julia Hawkins, partner at LocalGlobe, commented: “Vatic’s technology represents the future of testing. The proactive approach of numerous UK organizations in prioritizing employee testing for business recovery is commendable. This investment will be instrumental in the successful deployment of KnowNow tests throughout the UK and internationally, facilitating economic recovery with minimal interruptions.”

Rob Kniaz, partner at Hoxton Ventures, added: “A saliva-only swab is a significant advancement in the realm of rapid testing, overcoming the discomfort and complexity of existing methods. The Vatic team’s speed in bringing this test to market is impressive. Furthermore, this test is merely the beginning of their innovative journey within the at-home testing market.”