Nanomix is working to create a 15 minute rapid mobile COVID-19 test, capable of diagnosing current or past infection by SARS-CoV-2 through nasal and throat swabs.
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) is teaming up with Nanomix to achieve this, pumping $569,647 into the effort. Nanomix expects to front the remainder of the estimated $876,000 costs. BARDA’s assistance will also help push the diagnostic more rapidly through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization process.
The test will run on Nanomix’s advanced point-of-care diagnostic system, the eLab System. It consists of a hand-held reader and an integrated, self-contained, disposable assay cartridge. That cartridge contains both a biosensor and reagents to perform electrochemical detection of viral particles or antibodies from samples. A separate, serological cartridge will be developed to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the blood as part of the larger contract.
The test is meant for near-patient locations like hospitals, long-term care facilities, urgent care centers and doctor’s offices. Like many of the tests being pushed by BARDA right now, the hope is that it will provide greater service at patients’ first points-of-contact and vastly increase the number of tests available.