Australia-based design company Atomo Diagnostics has partnered with US-based rapid diagnostics developer Access Bio to expand point of care testing for HIV in international markets.

As part of the strategic alliance, Access Bio will leverage Atomo Diagnostics’ all-in-one AtomoRapid lateral flow diagnostic test platforms for its in-vitro rapid test.

The test has been designed to identify HIV antibodies in blood and deliver results within minutes to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

Atomo Diagnostics founder and CEO John Kelly said: “Our AtomoRapid platforms are proving their excellent usability and performance for a range of applications internationally, and this new partnership adds significantly to our long-term growth plans.

“Moreover, it demonstrates our continued commitment to tackling HIV by enabling greater access to best-in-class diagnostics in areas hardest hit by the disease.”

Access Bio will commercialise the new test under its CareStart brand in professional use markets of Africa, South East Asia, South America, and CIS countries.

“It demonstrates our continued commitment to tackling HIV by enabling greater access to best-in-class diagnostics in areas hardest hit by the disease.”

The test is expected to bolster the firm’s rapid test portfolio and support continued growth.

Access Bio founder and CEO Young Ho Choi said: “Access Bio’s HIV test strips combined with Atomo’s test devices will also offer an innovative solution to support the HIV 90-90-90 campaign.

“This alliance with Atomo is highly compatible with our established business channels, and we are actively exploring other areas of collaboration to strengthen our portfolio in the mid-to-long term.”

The firm and its subsidiary Wells Bio produce more than 120 million rapid diagnostic tests per year to detect various infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue, and HIV.