In particular, I was referring to completed POC for...

In particular, I was referring to completed POC for Endometriosis & Giardia with good results. And also COVID-19, so let’s discuss that here, there are some huge benefits from PIQs research, potentially.

There are other protective measures with vaccines for health care workers, drug & MAB trials in Australia for COVID-19.

PIQ is in collaboration in research, they are looking at rapid diagnostic tests for SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) and to isolate biomarkers that give insight to progression of COVID-19 disease.

At the moment, we have nasal/throat swabs & PCR laboratory testing that can take 6-48 hours for results depending on the lab it’s tested in & the request form & urgency by the treating Physician.

This doesn’t tell you if you have already been infected & recovered or if you have a viral load & asymptomatic with unknowingly spreading the virus, as these patients unless they meet criteria, are ineligible for testing anyway.

More recently CDY ASX are importing a point-of-care test (prick test for blood) that looks for antibodies for COVID-19. This test was urgently approved by the TGA in Australia. The sensitivity and efficacy of this test looks to be pretty good, from the numbers provided. (Disclosure: None).

Positive cases would need to be confirmed on PCR anyway. Even that is not so accurate on PCR at times, in ICU patients. Clinicians look at symptoms, and sometimes it might take 3 swabs to test positive or a lung sample, but they know the classic symptoms of COVID-19, once patients become seriously unwell & present to hospital, they are isolated & treated according to respiratory needs. Both suspected & confirmed cases. (Some confirmed post multiple tests that are negative).

I think that biomarkers will be incredibly important to look at which patients will/will not be at risk of severe COVID-19, it’s become evident it’s across all age groups outside of China data. Younger people are ICU patients here & overseas in the Westernised World. The 20-30yo age group & younger children being admitted also, some dying.

I always thought it was severe chronic asthma, Cancer & Immuno-compromised patients; but there were some young ones documented widely, that have died with no risk factors.

So I think the work that PIQ has to do is important & very relevant regarding COVID-19. I appreciate the work they do, both commercially & ‘other’ potentially for the benefit of the Australian population & the WORLD.

It’s not all about Vaccines & tests. Australia has a lot going on in COVID-19 clinical trials with prevention & treatment also. Not all news is bad, we will have options.

Happy Easter All xo