Virulizer™ COVID-19 Antigen Test Clinical Studies

 

DEVELOPMENT + CLINICAL STUDY UPDATE: 07-09-2022

Virulizer™ rapid antigen test proves 1000x more sensitive in COVID-19 clinical study.

ABOUT VIRULIZER™: POINT OF RISK DIAGNOSTICS

The Alcolizer Virulizer™ — A highly-sensitive rapid antigen COVID-19 mass-testing device. Unlike other existing antigen/PCR tests, Virulizer™ is a non-invasive, faster, and cheaper testing device able to detect COVID-19 in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients within 10-minutes. Clinical studies have confirmed that the Virulizer™ platform is at least 1000x more sensitive than commercially available antigen test kits currently available on the market.

The development is the result of collaboration between Alcolizer, D+I, Lastek and UTS, with development funding support provided by the Federal Government to fast-track the technology to market.

HOW IT WORKS: A FAST, NON-INVASIVE AND EASY TO ADMINISTER ANTIGEN TEST PROCEDURE

1. Patient collects own saliva sample.
2. Patient deposits collector in reagent vial.
3. Technician secures cap and waits 5-minutes.
4. Cartridge inserted into the desktop Virulizer™ detection instrument.
5. Technician deposits drops from reagent vial onto cartridge.
6. Sample is processed + Test result displayed on device.


CLINICAL STUDIES CONFIRM AT LEAST 1000x MORE SENSITIVE THAN ANTIGEN KITS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ON COMMERCIAL MARKETS

"Live trials are a crucial component of our commercialisation strategy, and Alcolizer with support from the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority saw the potential to conduct clinical trials in Malaysia where an Emergency Use Pathway for medical devices is in place… Imagine being able to identify an asymptomatic carrier 2-3 days before they show any sign of illness in just ten minutes. Its application to industry, health care and travel is endless." — Roger Hunt, General Manager of Alcolizer.

The SARS-CoV-2 Antigen study took place at the University Hospital, Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre, Pahang Malaysia. Commenting on the testing method and usability experience, Dr. Kamarul Ariffin Khlaid of the University Hospital Malaysia notes — "It’s great that the virus can be deactivated at the point of risk - a game changer - significantly reducing transmission risk during collection and receiving results in 10 minutes instead of waiting 24 hours for the PCR."

AUSTRALIAN INNOVATION: CONNECTING RESEARCH + INDUSTRY SPECIALISTS CREATES COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE AND SUPERIOR ECONOMIC OUTCOMES FOR AUSTRALIA

Alcolizer, D+I and Lastek undertook the development from concept to delivery of functional devices for initial clinical trials in just 100 days. The rapid development consisted of the complete conceptual design + engineering development + delivery of an all-in-one diagnostic system. Areas of involvement included; product styling and design, tactile device + digital user interface development, improvements to laser + optical systems, improved camera selection, thermal management + integration of cooling systems, implementation of remote server access + enabling over-the-air updates.

Virulizer™ has the potential to save lives, as well as bring about real economic, employment and export benefits for Australia. Alcolizer iStrips and testing instruments are to be manufactured/assembled at Alolizer’s fully automated robotic manufacturing facility in Perth, Western Australia. Virulizer™ demonstrates the power of connecting research and industry specialists to commercialise great ideas, seize new opportunities and solve key challenges.

BEYOND COVID-19 DETECTION: CREATING A PLATFORM FOR THE FUTURE OF RAPID INFECTIOUS AGENT TESTING

Virulizer™ has been designed as an adaptable technology, with the intention to expand the platform to detect other infectious agents, proteins and metabolites at concentrations previously only possible using expensive clinical instruments.

Researched, Designed, Developed + Manufactured in Australia.

▶ WATCH: Channel 10 Segment presented by Nathan Brooks (LinkedIn Video)

About D+I:
Design + Industry is a product design and development consultancy with studios based in Melbourne, Sydney and Newcastle. D+I offers an integrated product design, engineering, electronics, and production management service (ISO 13485:2016 Certified) — delivering successful commercial outcomes by creating class-leading products and user experiences for local and global markets. The team at D+I is internationally recognised for design and engineering excellence, validated by having won over 230 industry awards. Over three decades, D+I has established itself as a trusted + proven partner to industry innovators looking to translate ideas + discoveries into commercialised real-world solutions.

Murray Hunter
Founder
Design + Industry
+61 2 9555 1166
murray.hunter@design-industry.com.au

D+I: Learn more

About Alcolizer
Alcolizer Technology is a world-leader in the field of Alcohol and other Drugs testing and is recognised as one of Australia's most innovative and forward-thinking companies. Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, Alcolizer Technology is one of the world's leading manufacturers of alcohol breath testing and drug test devices. For over 30 years law enforcement agencies, industry and personal users trust Alcolizer to keep themselves and their employees safe. Alcolizer Technology is the largest provider of Breath Testing devices to Australian Law enforcement and the largest provider to the Australian Resources sector. Alcolizer Technology products are designed in Australia, for Australia and exported around the world wherever people value quality, reliability and innovation.

Alcolizer Website

Relevant links

University of Technology Sydney: Institute for Biomedical Materials and Devices (IBMD)
Visit UTS:ABMD Website

Australian Government - Australian Research Council (ARC)
Visit ARC Website

Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC)
Visit AMGC Website

The Innovative Manufacturing CRC (IMCRC)
Visit IMCRC Website

Lastek: Photonics Technology Solutions
Visit Lastek Website