Vitiprints has announced the launch of Viracide Masks in Africa in a bid to prevent transmission of Covid-19. The mask was rolled out through a distribution partnership with Uvukile Medical and Surgical Supplies. According to the company, Viracide Masks have an antiviral and antibacterial coating capable of deactivating Covid-19 and its variants in under one minute of contact with the surface of the facemask. Initially, the mask will be available in South Africa and neighbouring countries, Lesotho and Swaziland.

Biocept has launched a single test that can distinguish between influenza and the Covid-19 causing virus, SARS-CoV-2 to help patients and caregivers determine appropriate treatment decisions. The combined Covid-19 and influenza test leverages a sensitive and specific reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) platform to differentiate SARS-CoV-2 and influenza from a nasal swab. The results are typically delivered within 48 hours from receipt of the sample, the company said.  

Sorrento Therapeutics’ subsidiary in Mexico has signed a contract with a local firm for the sale and distribution of up to five million COVI-STIX Covid-19 rapid antigen detection tests in the country. According to the company website, COVI-STIX tests enable the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus antigens directly from a nasal swab sample in 15-20 minutes. The tests were commercially launched in July and are suitable for mass screening during social gatherings, sports events and school attendance.