Humasis Partners with Celltrion to Develop COVID-19 Antigen Test Kit

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Humasis is partnering with Celltrion to develop a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) antigen diagnostic kit.

Humasis announced on the 16th that it will collaborate with Celltrion to develop an antigen diagnostic kit for COVID-19.

By using the antigen diagnostic kit, samples can be collected from the nose or mouth with a swab at hospitals or screening clinics, and the presence of the virus can be directly confirmed. The antigen diagnostic kit uses antibodies that detect viral proteins, and the performance of the kit depends on how specifically the antibodies recognize the virus. Humasis plans to develop a diagnostic kit product applying antibodies developed by Celltrion. Until now, confirmation was made through molecular diagnosis (RT-PCR method). Once a highly sensitive antigen diagnostic kit is developed, it will be possible to know the confirmation status within 15 minutes from the start of testing regardless of location or time.

A Humasis official explained, "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also confirmed the usefulness of antigen diagnostic kits and is proceeding with emergency approval," adding, "The market is expected to continue expanding even after COVID-19 treatments are developed."

Humasis and Celltrion plan to complete the development of the COVID-19 antigen diagnostic kit quickly and register and sell it domestically and overseas. Through this collaboration, both companies have promised active mutual support. They will also secure additional automated facilities in preparation for future sales expansion.

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