Becton Dickinson (BD) has secured $24.7 million in funding from the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to develop diagnostic tests for COVID-19.
Under terms of the deal, BARDA will extend its support to BD by up to $40.3 million for the development and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of five new tests:
- A rapid, point-of-care test that identifies SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and influenza B and distinguishes them.
- A molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for hospitals that identifies SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus and distinguishes them.
- A molecular PCR test for hospitals or moderate-throughput laboratories to detect and distinguish between SARS-CoV-1, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), seasonal coronaviruses, and new coronaviruses.
- A molecular PCR test for high-throughput labs that identifies and distinguishes between SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus.
- A molecular PCR test for high-throughput labs that detects and distinguishes between SARS-CoV-1, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), seasonal coronaviruses and emerging coronaviruses.
The tests will help healthcare workers to make better treatment decisions, BD said.
