DURHAM – France-based bioMerieux, which has a big Triangle connection, is the latest biotech firm developing tests it says will help health officials detect the coronavirus.
The company, which focuses on in vitro (test tube) diagnostics, operates its headquarters for the US, Canada and Latin America in Durham.
On Wednesday, bioMerieux said the tests are “forthcoming” and are designed “to meet the different needs of physicians and health authorities in the fight against this emerging infectious disease.”
The first test is “clinically validated on one type of respiratory specimen and will be available at the end of March,” bioMerieux said.
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The company plans to submit the test to the Food and Drug Administration for an “emergency use authorization.”
Another test, which the company says is “fully automated,” is being developed in partnership with the US Department of Defense.
The third can deliver results within some 45 minutes amd tests fpr more than 20 “common respiratory pathogens.”
The two tests are expected to be submitted for regulatory review within the next several months, the company said.
“In the face of the urgency of the COVID-19 epidemic, bioMérieux is committed to provide a comprehensive diagnostic approach that meets the highest performance and quality standards to help physicians mount an effective response to the outbreak”, said Dr. Mark Miller, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of bioMérieux.
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