BARDA to work with Hememics on rapid COVID-19 test

The Biomedical Advanced Research Development Authority (BARDA) is working with Hememics Biotechnologies to develop a rapid antigen and antibody test to identify the COVID-19 coronavirus in 60 seconds.

The test will be designed to detect the SARS-CoV-2 antigen, which causes COVID-19, from nasal swab samples and associated antibodies through a finger-prick.

Healthcare providers can triage patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 rapidly and make informed treatment decisions. Also, antibody testing of blood to identify serological antibodies indicates which patients have been previously infected. The test is Bluetooth-connected to cloud-based data management networks to aid public health officials with real-time geographical mapping of outbreaks.

The Hememics HemBox biosensor system, which is currently under development, would be capable of simultaneously testing for up to 17 pathogens, using only one drop of blood or mucous. With results delivered in 60 seconds or less, clinicians could administer testing, diagnosis, and treatment in one patient interaction. The HemBox is being developed to be used easily in both traditional care environments for swift and accurate diagnosis of known and novel infectious diseases, like SARS-CoV-2.

This award is part of BARDA’s Rapidly-Expanding COVID-19 Medical countermeasure portfolio.

Hememics is a venture-backed biotechnology company that has developed a cellphone-sized POC device to pathogens in less than one minute. The device can be used anywhere – in the field or at bedside – to provide answers in seconds at the point of triage.