To try and clear up some confusion around the Geelong study and...

To try and clear up some confusion around the Geelong study and clarify for new holders and some existing on the current status of things:

- Febridx is a finger prick blood test to differentiate viral from bacterial infections. This is done via combination of CRP (bacterial protein) and MXA (Viral protein). The higher the CRP protein, the likelihood of bacterial infection. Vice versa with the MXA. The test in Geelong appears to be just a CRP test (many available) and they likely use a case of "CRP isn't high, so not bacterial" but that doesn't confirm nor deny the potential for the viral nature of things either.

- CRP tests are available globally and Abbott (who are in the study) have a CRP test which is a cartridge based system. It is likely that they are using Abbotts systems for these tests. The Strep test noted is a throat swab. The bacterial infection test is the finger prick test.

- Annie from Lumos has stated in the BARDA Webinar (on youtube under the October Investor Presentation) that there is no other test which specifically differentiates viral from bacterial in the POC setting. All others are a pathogen specific test (strep) and Strep tests are really the only rapid bacterial test available. The fingerprick test is unique to febridx, other tests are more difficult to use and may not provide the results in as quick of a time frame. They are also unlikely to be distributed en mass and quickly like rat tests. Think of it like this - Febridx is an all in one test. Package up and distribute to any region without the need for multiple components. Alot of other tests require the desktop readers, or multi part tests (strips and liquids etc etc.)

- I think everyone needs to understand the difference between Point of Care and other tests. Other CRP tests would typically be lab based tests so you see your GP, take a sample, send to the lab where the test is done (and that could just be a different room in the GP clinic or hospital) however that takes time. The Point of Care test can be done in the same room at the time of the visit by the GP or ER with a result in 10 minutes. Febridx is currently the only fingerstick poct approved and in market. The other cartridge bases tests require the desktop readers etc which may not be feasible for all GPs.

- The BARDA budget annually is $20Billion. $20Million of that is specifically for Anti Microbial Resistance and basically $10Million of that for the previous years budget was allocated to Lumos.

I emailed the doctor at deakin university direct to see if he can provide any clarity on the test and whether he can advise if it is Febridx or another generic CRP test. If i obtain a response i will obviously upload here for information.

I would take it currently given the images that this is not febridx being used and both tests are from Abbott.

The positive think about the pilot however:

- Raises awareness of what LDX is still doing
- Compares effectiveness of an all in one test vs mutli system test (which includes needing a desktop reader to use) - note that febridx is also available on a desktop reader version also.
- Cost effectiveness between tests and expansion of Febridx - febridx as a single device can be produced and shipped en masse with ease of use (no desktop reader needed) where as the others are difficult to use and may require a reader. This could be sold at a pharmacy like a pregnancy test is, where as the others are unlikely to be able to.

Further pilots or studies could come out in Australia given the awareness of the test with the Nine article etc.