Ground-Breaking One-Step COVID-19 Cartridge May Enable Large-Scale Antibody Testing

A new one-step testing cartridge for COVID-19 antibody testing that will use a simplified procedure to eliminate operator error and deliver more consistent results will begin clinical studies by October.

The ground-breaking cartridge is being developed by Vivera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Newport Beach, CA, USA), a pharmaceutical company focused on novel therapies for a variety of indications. To be tested, the user will simply obtain a drop of blood with a safety lancet and apply it directly on the cartridge. Upon closing the cartridge, the integrated blood flow system will automatically deliver the required amount of blood to the sample well, all while the internal buffer solution automatically releases, providing the exact volume of buffer needed for the test. Vivera is currently in discussions with top telemedicine providers in the US to develop effective testing protocols for the one-step cartridge once the FDA provides the appropriate pathways.

"The advantage of this new one-step testing cartridge is the simplification of the entire testing process," said Dr. Mehdi Hatamian, Vivera Pharmaceuticals Chief Scientific Advisor. "This technology will eventually allow for large-scale COVID-19 antibody testing and pave the way for future testing devices designed to greatly reduce the risk of human error."

"A consistent, user friendly, testing device will prove to be a vital tool for use not only at the point-of-care by medical professionals, but will open the door to the convenience of at-home testing for all," said Dr. Stephen McColgan Vivera Pharmaceuticals Chief Medical Officer. "As the world waits for a COVID-19 vaccine, we know that screening with antibody tests is the best way to help make more informed public health decisions."

"The availability of novel medical device technologies is exciting for the future expansion of our medical device division," said Paul Edalat Vivera Pharmaceuticals Chief Executive Officer. "A combination of innovative product development and strategic partnerships is really going to set Vivera apart in the coming months."

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Vivera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.