If the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that the more tools we have to fight, the better.
Officials often describe the fight against pandemics and diseases as exactly that, a fight. As these battles against viruses prolong into wars, officials and investors alike have recognized the need for a more complete arsenal to aid in the fight.
We can see this recognition with COVID-19 specifically. While the world awaits and celebrates any news about potential vaccines or treatments, there is also significant attention given to the equipment and tests needed right now.
When the nanotechnology experts at
Sixth Wave Innovations Inc. (
CSE:SIXW,
OTC:ATURF,
Forum)
filed a patent application for a rapid detection test for viral outbreaks, they knew it would be beneficial for the front lines combating the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Over time, however, the need for tests has only grown. With governments wishing to open up economies while maintaining strict testing protocols, the Sixth Wave saw room to innovate further.
And investors familiar with the Halifax-based Company know that Sixth Wave excels at
finding new molecular solutions where others draw a blank. The initial patent filed by Sixth Wave used Molecular Imprinted Polymers (MIPs), formed with a 3D mold of a targeted analyte, to quickly detect and isolate specific molecules. Having previously found success in the defense sector for the rapid detection of improvised explosives, as well as in mining and cannabis for the isolation of target molecules, the technology has already been well-tested and proven effective.
(Small but effective polymers | Image via Sixth Wave Innovations)
But the immediate need and urgency for COVID-19 testing solutions meant that the Company could look at expanding the use of the virus detection technology. On Apr. 17, Sixth Wave announced it had
filed for a second virus detection patent application to encompass a broad spectrum of devices, delivery systems and appliances. Where the first patent focused on the virus-detecting Accelerated Detection MIPs (“AMIPS”) platform, the second combines the sensor with practical devices to significantly alter the virus-detection landscape.
Last week, investors saw the first innovative implementation of Sixth Wave’s patents. On May 15, the Company announced a collaboration with fellow Halifax-based
Neocon International Inc., an award-winning manufacturer, for the
development of a protective face mask that incorporates the AMIPs virus detection technology.
The resulting SmartMask
TM product could provide the protective capabilities of an N95 mask, which still see significant supply shortfalls worldwide, with the capability to alert users that a target virus has been detected in the exhaled breath. For medical officials on the front lines battling COVID-19 in the present and other viral outbreaks in the future, it’s a game changing technology.
It’s also the product of an impressive Atlantic Canada partnership. The President & CEO of Sixth Wave, Dr. Jonathan Gluckman, commented on the benefits of working with Neocon to develop the masks:
"The combination of SIXW's experienced scientific team with the award-winning and globally recognized product innovation and manufacturing team at Neocon represents excellent synergy. Neocon has repeatedly been recognized with Nova Scotia's Exporter of the Year Award, and complements our experience engaging with international markets. Our proximity to Neocon is an additional advantage as a potential economic multiplier effect for the Halifax are, Nova Scotia, and Canada. We look forward to working together to design and manufacture the SmartMaskTM and potentially other AMIPs products aimed at meeting the broader needs for testing to ensure people's safety and return to work, school, and social activities."
Arguably the key takeaway for investors is Gluckman’s last comment on the potential for further collaboration. The need for testing and detection of COVID-19 and other viruses isn’t going away anytime soon, and the SmartMask
TM represents just one potential product for the frontlines. Having a strong partner in a major manufacturer and exporter means that Sixth Wave and Neocon can capitalize on any success and jump right into further product innovation.
Though there’s still more work to be done, Sixth Wave has already proven it is a serious contributor to the fight against COVID-19. Besides the Company’s operational history and success showing that it has solid follow-through, the announcement of a virus-detecting facemask delivers on the promise of the patented AMIPs detection technology and the multiple devices it could be utilized with. It’s also an astute recognition of what the current market needs, and it looks like Sixth Wave is lining up to deliver.
FULL DISCLOSURE: This is a paid article produced by Stockhouse Publishing.