Braveheart Investment Group PLC (LON:BRH) said a Coronavirus (COVID-19) test being developed by wholly owned subsidiary Paraytec achieved 94% sensitivity and 100% specificity.
Paraytec, which is working with the University of Sheffield, carried out clinical analyses of over 120 patient nasopharyngeal swab samples using the Paraytec test.
Braveheart said a key advantage of the Paraytec test is its potential to distinguish between intact viral particles and residual RNA fragments, as the presence of these fragments in nasal and pharyngeal epithelial cells can yield a positive PCR test result for several weeks after peak viral load has passed.
The Paraytec team has developed a new method to determine the proportion of RNA that is encapsulated within viral particles in clinical samples, compared with total RNA that includes non-infectious RNA fragments, it added.
“This method will allow the team to refine its analysis of test performance for operational sensitivity.”
Following discussions with CONDOR (COVID-19 National DiagnOstic Research and Evaluation Platform) representatives, Braveheart said this method will also be used to demonstrate the Paraytec test's ability to identify infectious individuals.
As planned, Braveheart said it has engaged specialist consultants to identify and target a broad range of commercial partners for the Paraytec technology, while also starting discussions with potential partners who have wide experience COVID-19 testing.
Shares in the company jumped 13% to 48.7p in early trades on Wednesday,