TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (TSX: PMN) (OTCQB: ARFXF), a company with a unique, core technology to predict novel targets on the molecular surface of complex proteins, announced today a collaboration with Dr. Hans Frykman and his team to develop a high-throughput, highly specific serological assay to accurately detect the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. A test for COVID-19 immunity is essential to understanding patterns of immunity in the community and support an effective surveillance program, which public health authorities suggest is necessary to restart society.
A specific and sensitive test that could identify who has virus immunity and who remains at risk would enable normal societal function to recommence more effectively. A highly specific serology test for SARS CoV-2 is currently lacking due to its close relationship with other relatively benign (i.e., the common cold) but highly similar strains of coronaviruses. Prominent cross-reactivity between the family of coronaviruses hinders development of specific tests using traditional platforms such as ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).
“Community surveillance of COVID-19 is the largest unmet need of our decade,” stated Dr. Neil Cashman, ProMIS Chief Scientific Officer. “We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Frykman to the ProMIS SAB and to collaborate with him and his team to jointly address this gap. Dr. Frykman’s lab has a substantial track record for developing novel serological assays, including the application of sophisticated techniques such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR), to unambiguously determine specific antibody concentrations in human serum samples.”
Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Frykman stated: “This exciting collaboration brings together our broad experience in developing sensitive and highly accurate serological tests with ProMIS’ unique ability to create peptide antigens based on rational identification of the site and shape (conformation) of epitope targets on complex protein structures, such as those displayed on the surface of the virus causing COVID-19. We anticipate that the predicted specificity of the ProMIS peptide antigens for the antibody response to COVID-19, without cross-reactivity with other coronavirus infections, will be an essential component for the rapid development of a highly sensitive and accurate serological assay.”
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