Ann: Half Yearly report and Accounts , page-5

Noomxx - "finite life span" but how long will that be - 100 plus years like the Mantoux Test or after patent protection ceases or if and when a better (?) test comes on the scene.

Hard to really know but I suspect that CST has stratgies already in place to ensure QFT-IT holds its protected position for quite some time - usual aim is to extend patent protection or by introducing further intrinsic improvements e.g. speed up time to get a result. Patent protection extension is one strategy but sometimes keeping aspects of the technology hidden is just as valuable.

So in essence it would have to be until someone comes up with its own unique test that is as practical to use in the labs as QFT-IT before I would be worried about competition. However, I doubt the economics of coming up (R&D) with a "similar" test would get past first base until QFT-IT has far greater market penetration and sales (at least over a hundred million dollars each year).

Although the product range is currently small there are others products to follow either through in house R & D or by aquisitions. Note R & D spending is up significantly this half. (up to $620k)

The current PE reflects confidence where CST will be in the future.