BARDA expands relationship with Ortho on COVID-19 test

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) expanded its partnership with Ortho Clinical Diagnostics to accelerate the development of a COVID-19 antigen test.

The Vitros antigen test is designed for the rapid detection of the virus that causes COVID-19. It is intended for the qualitative detection of nucleocapsid SARS-CoV-2 antigens in nasopharyngeal swabs collected from individuals suspected of COVID-19 infection.

The antibody test is intended to detect all COVID-19 related antibodies (IgG, IgM, and IgA). The benefit of different tests is that they offer choices in tracking, surveillance, and overall patent management. Both Ortho antibody tests can help health care workers assess whether a patient has been infected and has developed antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, even without symptoms.

The antigen and antibody tests intended for use on Ortho’s Vitros Systems including the Vitros XT 7600 Integrated System, the Vitros 3600 Immunodiagnostic System, the Vitros 5600 Integrated System, and the Vitros ECi/ECiQ Immunodiagnostic Systems. VITROS Systems are self-contained and do not require an external water source to run. This offers lab placement flexibility. Ortho has already installed these analyzers in more than 1,000 hospitals and labs across the United States.

Ortho Clinical Diagnostics manufactures several million tests each week at their sites in Rochester, N.Y, and Pencoed, U.K.

This award is one component of BARDA’s COVID-19 medical countermeasure portfolio.