Novacyt has introduced its polymerase chain reaction (PCR) respiratory test panel Winterplex, which has received the CE Mark. The test panel includes two Covid-19-specific gene targets along with influenza A&B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) gene targets. Data obtained from clinical trials demonstrated the test had 100% specificity and sensitivity between 96% and 100%.

Meenta, an online platform based in Boston, US, has launched the most comprehensive testing system in the world for Covid-19. The company has used the network of FDA/EUA-certified labs and testing and is set to aid different organisations such as universities and businesses to access the labs. This is expected to reduce testing wait times and issues in the testing supply chain.

Therma Bright has signed a co-development definitive agreement with Orpheus Medica. This will give Therma access to the novel biological platform of Orpheus. As per the agreement, it will also allow the joint development of a rapid Covid-19 saliva test to detect and screen the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19.

In an initiative spearheaded by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Defense (DOD), the US Government has awarded a $760m contract to Abbott for the supply of 150 million rapid tests. As per the contract, the company will provide the Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Point of Care (POC) SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests. The contract will help expand testing in the country and will be used at schools and to aid special needs populations.