A-Root, Exclusive Supply of COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits to Middle East and Asia

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] A-Root announced on the 20th that it has signed an exclusive distribution agreement for the Middle East and Asia regions, as well as a global licensing agreement, with DNA Link for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid diagnostic kit.

A-Root has been supplying POS systems, label printers, and mobile printers to overseas markets and has a sales network of over 200 branches in more than 70 countries worldwide. In particular, by supplying labels and mobile printers not only domestically but also to major hospitals worldwide, it has established a network capable of distributing medical devices such as diagnostic kits, leading to the promotion of rapid diagnostic kit exports as a new business.

An A-Root official stated, “Exports account for more than 80% of total sales, so A-Root has strengths in overseas distribution,” adding, “We have maintained long-term business relationships with major overseas vendors, and exports of COVID-19 diagnostic kits are possible based on these key vendors.”

DNA Link recently succeeded in developing a COVID-19 rapid diagnostic kit. The newly developed product is an antibody test diagnostic kit using blood, capable of diagnosing two antibodies, ‘IgM’ and ‘IgG,’ rather than a single antibody, making it a multiplex antibody diagnostic kit. Preclinical results show an accuracy of 93%, and it can provide results within 10 minutes in a simple kit format.

DNA Link has already applied for export approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for the COVID-19 rapid diagnostic kit export. Considering that the approval process usually takes about two weeks, export approval is imminent. Additionally, applications for European CE certification and U.S. FDA approval have been submitted, which will expand export countries to most overseas countries using CE certification and the United States.

An A-Root official added, “Requests for rapid diagnostic kit supply from Europe and the Middle East are rapidly increasing through introductions from major overseas vendors, so once the relevant certifications are obtained, shipments will proceed immediately,” and “Since supply performance will directly translate into sales, it is expected to contribute to performance improvement not only in the second quarter but also in the second half of the year.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.