I have received some messages about comparison of the Cannabix Alpha and FAIMS technologies to that of WSU. Here's my thought:
There could be plenty of people working on the development of Mass Spectrometer driven marijuana breathalyzers. The reason we have got a glimpse of two companies working on them, is likely that the university's (UFL and WSU) have disseminated their Mass Spec. techniques and eventually paired up with public companies to market and eventually license. Private companies and even government are likely working on them behind the scenes. Speculation gets you nowhere. Focus on what we know...
My belief is the following: (a) there is no point in drawing comparison between UFL and WSU. The public simply does not know enough information about the exact techniques they employ (i.e. the MS devices and their methods, OR, how they are coupled to a breath separation piece). (b) If we can take one thing from recent news, it is that, WSU has publicly disclosed that their CURRENT BEST METHOD, was not reaching medical grade results. That is massive news. They need to go back to the drawing board and tweak their methods and to be clear, I imagine it will be at least a year before we hear about further results (it takes time to tweak methods, get the device tweaked, and then get back to testing). Furthermore, even if they have a device in a years time, then they need to get third-party (and likely government) approved testing done. Then they need to approach the law. If at any point during that time, Cannabix reveals they have a device (i.e. we have tons of time folks, don't panic)... then one deciding factor will prevail as to who wins the race:
- who's device can detect the THC and its active metabolites with the highest accuracy and precision.
Cannabix has stated the alpha alone wasn't good enough. I have got messages asking/saying "Alpha failed". WOAH, hold up. Alpha has not failed. In fact, the whole point of Alpha is to tweak and redefine methods and levels, just like WSU will need to do. Essentially, they have shown us their Alpha. Alpha has not failed. My recent conversation with management allowed me to learn that advances have been made to Alpha since they have paired with UFL. I expect Beta will be released soon. FAIMS will be separate. That timeline has not been disclosed, but a world expert works on it currently, and has for months. That technology should offer unparalleled sensitivity and accuracy. The Yost group is the world leader in weapon's grade Mass Spec detection, and devices resulting from their patents have brought in billions. Simple.
PATIENCE. Beta will be coming soon enough. We lead the race, most importantly, in terms of POTENTIAL.
What could be more exciting than investing in something that is a slight risk (given that they cannot disclose every step of the way), yet, the payout could be so great (they will hold a monopoly on a product the whole world wants). This company, if they secure the device and the patent cannot be broken, could be worth hundreds of millions. Simple.
