The second generation version of a rapid neutralizing antibody test for COVID-19 will not only show if the users have responded to their COVID-19 vaccine but also perform a semi-quantitative analysis of their neutralizing antibody levels in a single test.

AXIM Biotechnologies, Inc. (San Diego, CA, USA) is developing the second generation version of its original rapid test (currently under FDA review) that measures the levels of neutralizing antibodies, which provide protection from COVID-19 infection if blood levels are high enough. Although both antibodies and T cells are both involved in protection from COVID-19, antiviral T cell responses are technically and logistically difficult to measure. Unlike T cells, antiviral antibodies are relatively easy to detect and measure from a finger-stick drop of blood.

The purpose of a vaccine is to induce antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 virus to prevent infection but unfortunately, not all of these antibodies neutralize the virus and protect the vaccine recipient. AXIM has developed the second generation version of its original test which differentiates antibodies that simply bind to the virus but do not neutralize it versus antibodies that bind and neutralize the virus. This is an important distinction because COVID-19 vaccines do not induce high levels of neutralizing antibodies in all recipients. AXIM’s second generation test provides users with a test that shows if they responded to their COVID-19 vaccine and a semi-quantitative analysis of their neutralizing antibody levels in a single test.

“This new test is extremely important because it helps people know if they are protected after receiving the vaccine in just 10-minutes,” said John W. Huemoeller II, AXIM Biotech Chief Executive Officer. “People want to make sure they are protected as vaccine immunity wanes so that they don’t develop an asymptomatic infection and transmit the virus to vulnerable populations.” 

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