Novacyt announced today that it is collaborating with AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN), GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK) and the University of Cambridge to increase testing in the United Kingdom.
Pharmaceutical companies AstraZeneca and GSK, along with the University of Cambridge, are slated to set up a new testing laboratory at Cambridge’s Anne McLaren lab. The facility will be used for high throughput screening for COVID-19 testing while exploring the use of alternative chemical reagents for test kits amid supply shortages.
Novacyt’s role in the collaboration is to provide its COVID-19 test to generate data and to ensure effective workflow within the facility.
Last month, Novacyt reported that its Primerdesign molecular diagnostics division sold and received orders for more than $10.1 million (£8.7 million) of its COVID-19 tests.
Novacyt’s United Kingdom–based molecular diagnostics arm offered the update on its CE-Marked, research-use-only coronavirus tests, having previously announced that it sold and received orders for over $5 million of its tests earlier in March.
The collaboration is part of the U.K. government’s five-pillar plan to increase coronavirus testing as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
“Novacyt is committed to supporting national efforts in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” Novacyt CEO Graham Mullis said in a news release. “In the UK, we continue to work with the NHS and Public Health England to supply our COVID-19 test to a growing number of hospitals and, through this new collaboration with AstraZeneca, GSK and the University of Cambridge, we are very pleased to further assist the government to increase testing.
“I again want to extend my gratitude to Novacyt employees who are working all hours, and to our supply chain for their continued support, as all stakeholders work together during this difficult time.”
Novacyt also announced today that its COVID-19 test received eligibility for World Health Organization procurement under its emergency use listing. It will be eligible for one year, unless circumstances dictate otherwise.
