The E&M: "Luca AI Cell, Rapid Diagnostic Kits and Nasal Sprays See Strong Sales Amid COVID-19 Resurgence"

THE E&M announced on the 22nd that sales of nasal spray products from its affiliate LUCA AI Cell, which help prevent respiratory diseases and alleviate symptoms, as well as COVID-19 antigen rapid test kits, are rapidly increasing.

According to the company, the simultaneous spread of COVID-19, whooping cough, and Mycoplasma pneumonia has been driving growing demand for prevention and diagnostic products. In particular, the ‘LUCA COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kit’ can detect all COVID-19 variants, including the currently dominant Omicron KP.3 variant, and is supplied to pharmacies and medical institutions nationwide through 43 dealerships and online sales.

The company added, “Sales have increased by 5274% from June to August, showing a high sales rate, and production is being maintained at maximum capacity due to the surge in demand,” and forecasted that “strong sales are expected to continue for the time being.”

Although the severity and fatality rates have decreased since the Omicron outbreak, the number of COVID-19 patients visiting emergency rooms has risen from 2,240 in June to 11,627 last month, continuing to increase, raising ongoing concerns about the resurgence of COVID-19.

Since antibodies in our bodies naturally decrease over time, the risk of COVID reinfection remains. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency explained that the recent COVID resurgence is due to relatively low COVID-19 spread last winter, low vaccination rates, the spread of the Omicron variant KP.3, and increased travel during the holiday season, which led to the rise in COVID-19 cases.

Applying LUCA AI Cell’s core technology LLBTM (LUCA Lipid Bilayer) technology, the antigen rapid test kit improves accuracy and drastically reduces testing time, allowing results to be confirmed within 5 minutes. The company stated that this year, the LUCA COVID-19 antigen rapid test kit received sales approval from Australia’s TGA and is being promoted for expansion into Australia and Southeast Asia.

Additionally, the ‘LUCA V-Defense Nasal Spray’ forms an antibacterial protective layer on the nasal mucosa, the infection route of COVID-19, making it a useful alternative in the post-mask era. The company explained that using it together with the LUCA COVID-19 antigen self-test kit can help prepare against COVID reinfection.

The company explained that overseas antibacterial tests on the nasal spray against the COVID-19 virus showed 99.7% antiviral effectiveness within 1 minute, and the same antiviral effect is expected for various respiratory diseases.

It has also proven its safety by obtaining certifications from the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the U.S. FDA, and the European CE. This product contains no steroids, antihistamines, or metazoline-based ingredients, making it free from resistance or side effect issues. It contains active ingredients extracted from natural red algae and antibacterial lipids, making it safe for children and pregnant women.

Kim Chang-deok, Marketing Director of LUCA AI Cell, said, “We have completed a bio-product lineup for prevention and diagnosis in preparation for the next pandemic,” and added, “The LUCA COVID-19 antigen self-test kit will increase its utility as a minimal safety measure in daily life when used together with the nasal spray.”

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