BD and the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) have entered a strategic, public-private partnership to develop various Covid-19 combination diagnostic tests. Initially, BARDA will provide $24.7m to BD with options to receive an additional grant of $40.3m to develop and obtain 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for five novel combination tests. These tests will be used in core labs, hospitals and point of care locations.

Scientists at the Ohio State University (OSW) Wexner Medical Center are developing a breath test that can screen for the presence of Covid-19. According to the findings from the preliminary study, the breath test was found to be highly precise in detecting Covid-19 in critically ill patients. On getting infected with Covid-19, an atypical breath print is expected due to the interaction of oxygen, nitric oxide and ammonia in the body. The breath detector device can identify the Covid-19 breath print present in the exhaled breath in just 15 seconds.

Quidel has entered a multi-year collaboration with the American football team New York Jets to donate 10,000 Covid-19 tests to underserved communities via United Way of Northern New Jersey, a non-profit supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. Quidel produces the QuickVue At-Home OTC Covid-19 Test. The company will become New York Jets’ official diagnostics partner and get substantial brand exposure to create awareness on the significance of Covid-19 testing.