LumiraDx, a next-generation point of care diagnostics testing company, announced that the LumiraDx SARS-CoV-2 Ag test has the capability of detecting major SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, including the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Epsilon variants. Unlike the routine RT-PCR tests, the LumiraDx test uses antibodies, not nucleic acid based-primers, to detect the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen, rather than the spike protein.

Sorrento Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has received Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) and a and product import licence from Mexico’s COFEPRIS (ComisiĂ³n Federal para la ProtecciĂ³n contra Riesgos Sanitarios). The firm is now setting up its Sorrento Mexico Ltd subsidiary in Mexico. It will manage the commercial operations of its COVI-STIX test and other Covid-19 related products in Mexico. The company also plans to ship the first batch of test orders in July 2021. The COVI-STIX test is a rapid, sensitive, 15-minute test that detects the SARS-CoV-2 virus nucleocapsid antigen in nasal or nasopharyngeal samples of infected patients.

Haven Testing, an at-home medical testing services provider, is making the BTNX Rapid Response Covid-19 antigen rapid tests kit available for home use in the Ontario region. The test kit has been authorised by Health Canada and can detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in just 15 minutes.