Thursday, September 11, 2025

Sona Nanotech Walks From Rapid Saliva Test After Poor Study Results

Sona Nanotech (CSE: SONA) last night finally announced it is waving the white flag on its COVID-19 rapid saliva test. The company has terminated a licensing arrangement it had in place with Arlington Scientific following the results of two clinical studies conducted on the test.

Evidently, studies and consultations with the US Food and Drug Administration did not go as the company intended, with the test proving to be too ineffective to be useful. Test results revealed a sensitivity of 88% for the test specifically within a point of care environment, where patients had to have a viral load so high that they would be contagious before the test would detect the presence of the virus.

In wider testing however, sensitivity of the rapid saliva test came in at just 62%, far below the 80% threshold to be deemed effective. The company simplifies the results by stating that “the test worked well with contagious subjects but not as well with subjects whose viral load was low.” Point of care specificity meanwhile came in at 94%.

Outside point of care testing, a study was also conducted for self-testing using the rapid saliva kit, wherein sensitivity was 70%, and specificity was 81%. Guidelines currently in place by the FDA expect mid-to-high 90% for both those figures.

Following the results, the company indicated that due to “deteriorating market dynamics” as well as the preference for over-the-counter testing options by the FDA, it will not be proceeding with further studies or commercialization efforts on its rapid saliva COVID-19 test. Instead, the firm will be focused on the development of concussion and bovine tuberculosis rapid test, along with continuing the development of its gold nanorod manufacturing tech.

The development follows the news from last year, wherein the company discontinued clinical trials of the rapid antigen saliva test, at the time citing inadequate test sensitivity.

Sona Nanotech last traded at $0.16 on the CSE.


Information for this briefing was found via Sedar and the companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Avino Q2 Earnings: Steady As She Goes

MEG Energy: Cenovus Comes In With $7.9 BILLION Offer

Orla Mining Q2 Earnings: Musselwhite Changes Everything

Recommended

Northern Superior Expands Philibert With 350 Metre Step Out Testing 1.10 g/t Gold Over 25.5 Metres

Goliath Resources Hits 18.58 g/t Gold Over 5.00 Metres At Surebet

Related News

Sona Nanotech Announces $2.0 Million Private Placement

Sona Nanotech (CSE: SONA) this morning announced that it is looking to raise funds via...

Thursday, December 3, 2020, 09:27:21 AM

Sona Nanotech Releases News.. About Planning To Release News

A tumbling share price can make companies do odd things. If you’re Sona Nanotech (CSE:...

Thursday, August 20, 2020, 10:15:59 AM

Sona Nanotech Rejected By FDA For Emergency Use Authorization

The US Food and Drug Administration has rejected Sona Nanotech’s (CSE: SONA) request for an...

Thursday, October 29, 2020, 09:37:07 AM

Sona Nanotech Withdraws Health Canada Application For COVID-19 Test Due To Feedback From Regulator

In what is a major blow to shareholders of Sona Nanotech (CSE: SONA), the company...

Wednesday, November 25, 2020, 02:31:06 PM

Sona Nanotech: Health Canada Evaluation Results Did Not Match Prior Analytical And Clinical Study Data

Sona Nanotech (CSE: SONA) this morning elaborated on its decision to withdraw its antigen test...

Monday, November 30, 2020, 09:16:04 AM