Kromek Share Discussion Threads

[speny] 12/10/2020 08:48

I just took the opportunity to close two fifths of my position for a 50% profit, will hold the rest for the longer term.

GLA

[edmonda] 11/10/2020 21:30

It has already been mentioned earlier, but for anyone who wants to see the CEO's assessment of key markets and clients, plus development timetable and introductory video for the unique Pathogen detector with DARPA - click below for detailed 29 mins interview:

[jimtech] 11/10/2020 17:49

Another mention linking Earlham Institute (in job post) and Oxford Nanopore Technologies here: hxxps://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=BB%2FN023196%2F1

Rapid in-field Nanopore-based identification of plant and animal pathogens
Lead Research Organisation: Earlham Institute
Department Name: Research Faculty
Abstract
Airborne crop diseases pose a serious threat to food security and are responsible for devastating loss of yield and over-reliance on pesticides. Early detection enables farmers to take preventative action, drastically reducing damage and cost. Current detection regimes often rely on expert identification of the pathogen from plant damage. More recently, other molecular techniques have emerged. However, these methods suffer the same problems - being specific for a single species and a need for relatively large quantities of pathogenic material.

Recently, TGAC has been working on an approach dubbed Air-seq that seeks to identify pathogens through sequencing of biological particles present in air. This overcomes both problems associated with current techniques as it is unbiased (not limited by species) and requires very small quantities of material. Our ultimate aim is to put sample collection, sequencing and analysis in a single box that can be deployed in the field. Key to success is a compact sequencing technology and this has recently emerged in the form of Oxford Nanopore Technologies' (ONT) MinION.

The MinION is a new compact, low-cost sequencing technology that offers long reads (thousands of bases of DNA) and a streamed mode of operation enabling analysis of data as it is generated. These attributes make it ideally suited to in-field use. However, part of the process of generating sequencing data involves converting an electrical signal from the DNA sensing pore into a sequence of bases (letters) and this is performed via an internet 'basecalling' service. For in-field deployment, this is unsatisfactory, as we cannot rely on high speed, reliable data connections. We believe a completely new approach is required in which we utilise the raw signal data in order to identify species, instead of searching against basecalled sequence.

In this project, we will develop a tool that searches Nanopore signal data looking for the characteristic signal traces of pathogens of interest, building up a report on abundance levels in the process.

Technical Summary
Airborne crop pathogens pose a serious threat to food security and are responsible for devastating loss of yield and over-reliance on pesticides. Early detection enables farmers to take prophylactic action, drastically reducing damage and cost. Current detection regimes often rely on expert identification of the pathogen from plant damage. More recently, techniques have emerged utilising PCR or antibody-based assays. However, these methods suffer the same problems - being specific for a single species and a need for relatively large quantities of pathogenic material.

Recently, TGAC has been working on an approach dubbed Air-seq that seeks to identify pathogens through sequencing of biological particles present in air. This overcomes both problems associated with current techniques as it is unbiased and requires very small quantities of material. Our ultimate aim is to put sample collection, sequencing and analysis in a single box that can be deployed in the field. Key to success is a compact sequencing technology and this has recently emerged in the form of Oxford Nanopore Technologies' (ONT) MinION.

The MinION is a compact, low cost single molecule sequencing technology that offers multi-kilobase reads and a streamed mode of operation enabling analysis of data as it is generated. These attributes make it ideally suited to in-field use. However, ONT's basecalling utilises a cloud-based system in which pore electrical signal data is uploaded and basecalled sequence downloaded. For in-field deployment, this is unsatisfactory, as we cannot rely on high bandwidth data connections. We believe a completely new approach is required in which we utilise the raw signal data in order to identify species, instead of searching against basecalled sequence.

In this project, we will develop a tool that searches Nanopore signal data looking for the characteristic signal traces of pathogens of interest, building up a report on abundance levels in the process.

Planned Impact
Academic impact

This work will result in the production of a valuable tool for scientists working on in-field uses of Nanopore sequencing. Our initial target is pathogen detection applications, but target sequences could be anything and this therefore widens the tools' usefulness to a wide range of clinical, ecological and conservation diagnostic and surveillance applications.

The availability of an API widens use further, enabling others to build new tools tailored to specific applications that sit on top of the API.

The development of the tool will generate new opportunities for collaborative work with R&D groups in industry and with academic institutions. We anticipate that it will also form part of an ongoing relationship with Dstl.

The postdoctoral researcher employed for the project will gain important knowledge of bioinformatics, signal processing and Nanopore sequencing. They will develop extremely valuable skills in the use of high performance computing environments and will gain further opportunities to develop their written and verbal communication skills.

Economic and societal impacts

Early detection and quantification of crop pathogens has the potential to dramatically change agriculture in significant ways:
1. Reduction in the use of pesticides: by early harvesting or by spraying only when a) pathogen levels reach dangerous levels b) the pathogen race is a known to be able to overcome the cultivars resistance c) targeted use of pesticides the pathogen is not resistant to. The knock-on effect will be to reduce the economic impact of pesticides in non-target species, estimated to be around $8 billion annually (Aktar et al. 2009 PMID: 21217838).
2. Reduction in crop damage by ensuring spraying occurs before infection can take hold.
3. Improved results from crop spraying due to better selection of fungicides based on exact knowledge of pathogen levels and strain.
4. Detection of novel pathogens and new strains of known pathogens
5. Better modelling of disease epidemiology.

Reducing the damage caused by crop disease and reducing the level of fungicide use will have positive economic impacts on farmers and will help to ensure UK food security. It will also allow (with wind direction) the early detection of pathogens that are carried from the continent or have just established a "bridgehead" in the UK.

Within Dstl's remit, this project has the potential to revolutionise the detection of biological warfare agents in the field. This would have immediate implications for defending the UK against the use of biological weapons and against bioterrorism.

[33mick] 11/10/2020 17:07

Good find Jim...
well that answers a few more questions..
There a lot more to it than I ever thought..

[jimtech] 11/10/2020 16:22

This is interesting...

From a job board post in June:

Molecular Biology Research Assistant
Natural History Museum
Forming one division within the museum’s Core Research Laboratories, the Molecular Biology Division comprises of a multi-disciplinary group, applying a wide variety of molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics approaches, actively contributing to the museums applied research and development programmes. Our research and development expertise, its investment in the latest technologies and interactions with our research partnership (US DARPA, Kromek PLC and Earlham Institute) offer a rare opportunity to study and better understand our environment.

We seek an experienced scientist, focused on supporting the development of novel molecular and laboratory processes to characterise air borne pathogens. The post holder will work closely with a senior molecular diagnostics specialist, aResnd experienced technology developers, with additional expertise available from within the division as well as engineering support from Kromek and bioinformatics from the Earlham Institute. This critical role will be tasked with supporting the development of an end to end diagnostic platform, using sequencing to understand the genetics of pathogens in the air. The post will also contribute to the NHMs diagnostic development activities, utilising molecular biology approaches, robotics (liquid handlers), mobile nanopore sequencing approaches and basic data analysis.

The post holder will work in a clinical laboratory environment and in addition to diagnostic validation; there is scope, which will be encouraged to develop related areas of research and development including proof of concept work. This varied role will ideally suit a candidate with both clinical laboratory experience and a strong research and development background.

hxxps://www.diversitydashboard.co.uk/jobs/molecular-biology-research-assistant/

[33mick] 11/10/2020 16:02

The link to the new vid that Jim flagged up above, where Dr Arnub mentions that Kromek was chosen by DARPA to design the bio detection unit together with a consortium of UK tech companies.

[robsy2] 11/10/2020 14:49

Thank you Mick and jim For your posts

[33mick] 11/10/2020 13:20

A bit more of the puzzle Jim
Sounds like 2 or 3 UK technology s involved. I did read that the sample has to be treated with an acid before presented to the Nanpore unit..if it is Napopore..?
Gives me a lot of confidence that they will pull it off....

[jimtech] 11/10/2020 12:35

In his Equity Development video published today the CEO, Arnab Basu, says that Kromek was chosen by DARPA to bring together a consortium of UK partners to develop the pathogen detector. They have been working on this since late 2018.

[33mick] 11/10/2020 12:05

"Unlike traditional DNA sequencing platforms, which deliver data in bulk at the end of a sequencing run, nanopore DNA sequencing data is streamed in real time — providing immediate access to results."

[33mick] 11/10/2020 11:54

My bet would be it's Naonpore tech.
Many years of development and 100"s millions of dollars taken to get there.
It offer realtime gene reading.

It's was deemed a "Wild"" idea and impossible to achieve when first conceived.

Anythings possible...it you have serious money to throw at it...they did and have...
Now the tech can be used under licence for very reasonable cost..

[wetpantz] 11/10/2020 11:33

CEO gave very little detail while hyping the new Covid+Anything else detector. It relies on DNA sequencing so has to rely on Illumnia, Pacbio or Oxford Nanopore kit. The Kromek bit is just a glorified automatic vacuum cleaner bolted on. Also not mentioned is that DARPA make very many bets on moon shot projects the majority of which come to nothing

[susiebe] 11/10/2020 09:41

Pre Covid (July 19) Simon Thompson was giving a target price of 40p(see below)With their detection products re covid that price should surely be a lot higher.We will see but I'm expecting 30p+ very quickly.'My financial models point towards a target price of 40p to value the company's equity at £138m and giving it an enterprise value of £123m after adjusting for net cash of £15.2m on the balance sheet. Buy.'

[33mick] 11/10/2020 09:27

Not seen this bio Kromek vid before..
from a few months ago.

[ramellous] 11/10/2020 01:59

Long interview with the CEO about the business. Only 644 views so I think KMK is definitely under the radar.

[value hound] 10/10/2020 20:55

KMK is a conundrum.

I bought as soon as I saw the Simon Thompson article as I thought it made a lot of sense (though I had to decide pretty bluddy quickly!) at a little over 8p, but I did so mainly as a value player based primarily on the PTBV discount (and the lack of a need to raise funds).

But now that it's reached a value more commensurate with book value, I have no idea how to value it. As a value player, perhaps I "should" sell, but given what I understand re the potential for viral detection in high footfall areas (or pretty much anywhere - and continuously!?) I have no intention of selling any as the sky would seem to be the limit.

So what is a reasonably optimistic value? FWIW, I came out around £86m / c.25pps (exactly where it was in February) based on the balance sheet, previous performance, (sales and underlying op' profit) and potential. But this is a dark art! Frankly, f^^^ knows!

[33mick] 10/10/2020 14:31

recent article..last week I believe..



Sobering read....

“If I put my doctor and scientist hat on, the availability of technology to alter viruses and do gene editing, the know-how and the capabilities are rapidly increasing and that is something that keeps me awake at night,” said Bera, who is a physician. “We know there are bad apples out there.”

[sev22] 09/10/2020 17:50

The technical analysis is looking strong for next week. Only the 100 and 200 day moving averages to go and then the price should move quickly to 20p plus on any additional positive news.

[dougmachin] 09/10/2020 14:01

My view is that early next week there will be some profit taking... time for me to top up again then.

[susiebe] 09/10/2020 13:23

Company definitely operating in the right area in the current climate.Back to 30p+ imo,maybe future takeover target..

[wigwammer] 09/10/2020 13:03

"It sounds really exciting.." no kidding :)

[sev22] 09/10/2020 11:42

Kromek Group plc – the world may never have to experience another pandemic (Interview).