Aytu BioScience Inc. (AYTU)

[no_ur_stox]

Why pay for AYTU Rapid Test? The issue comes down to the clear difference in the (2) Rapid Tests, and this being that AYTU's COVID-19 IgG/IgM is a Serological Test seeking the detection of antibodies in the blood stream. This not only could potentially quickly uncover those who are currently infected, but also those who "were" infected and have already recovered - Serological Testing will prove to be the next frontier in combating and controlling viral outbreaks in the future!

The issue of simple cost-effective rapid testing will be critical, as this combined with field testing will negate the need to visit medical centers or controlled environments, which in turn will also control the spread of the outbreak, which as we know has been infecting medical staff worldwide.

From a recent announcement: "Walgreens announced Tuesday is plans to use Abbott Laboratories' new fast response COVID-19 test to expand drive-through testing for the virus to 15 new sites in seven states, including Illinois." This is only (15) stores, and at best they claim they will test "UP TO" 3,000 people per day at the 15 sites - this is a very small amount. This of course is due to the cost of the "ID Now" Unit, along with the time for each test result.

I've been reading many comments about the Abbott "ID Now" Rapid Test, and although this recently received FDA Approval, there are a couple of critical issues with this Testing Unit that should be addressed. First off, there are specific parameters and guidelines that must be adhered to, to run the test accurately - this of course entails a level of training, which could impact the accuracy of the test results. Secondly, and most importantly is the cost factor, which will greatly impact the speed at which these Test Units are deployed and utilized. I did a little research about the cost factor, and this is what I found: I checked the Abbott Website, but couldn't find any details about product pricing - what I did find is product pricing for the "ID Now" and "Test Kits" on the 'Fisher Scientific' Website. Please see directly below:

https://www.fishersci.com/us/en/catalog/search/products?keyword=ID+NOW+Instrument

23-046-617 Abbott™

NAT024

Abbott ID NOW Instrument
$10,040.00 / Each

The question is: is the above price indicative of the current price, whether it's directly purchased from Abbott, or from a third party - in any event, the price for each Testing Unit is cost prohibitive for massive roll-out, and how quickly can manufacturing be ramped up to meet
the extraordinary current demand?

In addition, the test will require Swab Kits, which are also quite costly - from the Fisher Scientific Website:

https://www.fishersci.com/us/en/catalog/search/products?keyword=ID+NOW+Instrument

23-046-619 Abbott™

425080

Abbott ID NOW Influenza A and B Control Swab Kit
$447.00 / Pack of 20

Again, it's difficult to assess the exact cost for the "ID Now" Testing Unit, along with the Swab Kits, but, if the above pricing is closely indicative of the current cost, then in my opinion this is problematic at best! This is what needs to be weighed when comparing the above to AYTU'S COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test - I do believe that the issue of speed deployment and accuracy is of the utmost importance at this point, which is exactly why I believe the world requires simplicity at this critical juncture!