UltraZyme - Enzymatic tools for ultrafast, sensitive and specific detection of viral infectious diseases at Point-Of-Care

Viral pandemics such as COVID-19 represent a global health threat, and as we have all experienced, we need effective surveillance strategies to combat such large disease outbreaks. Identification of people carrying the virus is critical, and early detection is our best chance of preventing these outbreaks. Simple, super-fast and accurate tests that can be used at home or close to the patient are thus absolutely essential, and although antigen tests are easy to use and were indispensable during the peak of the COVID 19 pandemic, they still lacked the desired accuracy compared to hospital-based PCR tests. In the Ultrazyme project, we want to develop an enzyme tailored for use in molecular-based self-tests, but with the accuracy of PCR-based tests. Since the enzyme works well at room temperature, sophisticated equipment is not required. By succeeding in this project, UltraZyme can offer the enzymatic solution for a rapid and cost-effective test for disease identification and monitoring. A key element is that the test can be carried out without the use of trained personnel or own equipment.