RE:MD&AIn fiscal 2020, a different antigens market driver emerged in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic. While Microbix does not currently supply native or recombinant antigens for immunoassay tests for the Coronavirus that causes COVID-19 disease (properly called the SARS-CoV-2 virus), it does expect to see lasting long-term benefits within its antigens business. Such benefits would initially come from increased testing resourcing/ capacity in general, and specifically from increased immunologic testing for exposure to respiratory pathogens other than the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Notably, healthcare practitioners and public health authorities are likely to want a definitive diagnosis of the reason for illness if a patient tests negative for SARS-CoV-2 (i.e., if not that, then what is it?) and may want to know if a patient is co-infected with another respiratory pathogen if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 (e.g., at greater risk because co-infected with an influenza virus or a resulting bacterial infection). Microbix has seen its flow of orders for some of its respiratory antigens increase, as its products form an integral part of some approved tests. However, at present, patient testing in relation to diseases other than respiratory infections is continuing to be disrupted as a result of several factors, including testing resources limitations, patient reluctance to see medical professionals (or the reverse) for non-emergency issues, and recurring societal lockdowns. It is important to note that these factors are not unique to Microbix, but are affecting the entire diagnostics industry on a worldwide basis.
This is why they I think the they are building the new containment lab. They could then start handling this virus and get a slice of the COVID test market beyond VTM and QAPs by selling antigens to the test makers. It's been hinted at if you are following closely.