Bioperfectus Partners with FIND to Increase COVID-19 Self-Testing Capacity in Low and Middle-Income Countries

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 15 Mar 2022

Jiangsu Bioperfectus Technologies Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China), a leading in-vitro diagnostics provider for infectious diseases, has partnered with FIND (Geneva, Switzerland), the global alliance for diagnostics, to accelerate the availability of affordable SARS-CoV-2 self-tests in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Bioperfectus is pioneering in the molecular diagnostics market with products ranging from real-time PCR kits, nucleic acid extraction systems, rapid tests and automation laboratory devices. FIND, the global alliance for diagnostics, seeks to ensure equitable access to reliable diagnosis worldwide. FIND connects countries and communities, funders, decision-makers, healthcare providers and developers to spur diagnostic innovation and make testing an integral part of sustainable, resilient health systems. FIND is co-convener of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator diagnostics pillar and a WHO Collaborating Centre for Laboratory Strengthening and Diagnostic Technology Evaluation.

Image: Bioperfectus has partnered with FIND to lift COVID-19 self-testing capacity in LMICs (Photo courtesy of Bioperfectus)

FIND had launched request for proposal (RFP) in March 2021 in the context of the ACT Accelerator diagnostics pillar, which includes strengthening capacity for countries to expand access to COVID-19 testing based on strategies to reach people where they live, work, and seek care, such as community-based testing and self-testing. In response to the open call, Bioperfectus joined the communication and collaboration, with its fast reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic, advanced R&D capacity, affordability and unique design of its ONE-STEP” COVID-19 Self-testing product. Bioperfectus was chosen from over 80 applicants for fulfilling all the criteria, including the test’s technical performance, suitability for self-administration, and affordability for LMICs. The investment is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research through KfW and other donors through grants to FIND. FIND will supplement this financial investment with technical support and conduct an independent evaluation of the performance and usability of the tests in the settings of intended use. All help is dependent on a series of mutually agreed project milestones being successfully met.

“We Bioperfectus are very honored to cooperate with FIND to offer bioPerfectus COVID-19 Ag Self-test Kit to LMICs and bridge the gap between the LMICs and HICs (High-income countries) in COVID-19 Self-testing,” the company said in a statement.