Q: What makes FluroTest unique compared to other tests currently available?
- Unlike individual or low-throughput tests, FluroTest’s high-volume antigen system is designed to facilitate very fast and accurate point of access testing for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens by leveraging the disciplines of robotics automation, biochemistry, fluorescence detection and cloud computing. The system is purpose-built for businesses and special-needs populations requiring fast and highly accurate testing for significant numbers of people.
Q: Is testing going to still be as relevant now that the vaccines are out?
- Yes, testing will remain absolutely essential. Even as society reopens, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, and other potential deadly pathogens may pose challenges well into the next decade, regardless of vaccine availability. We continue to follow the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations (IHR), which helps to govern the spread of COVID-19 and other pathogens across 196 countries. Strengthening testing and virologic global surveillance at local and national levels, as well as international ports of entry like airports and ground crossings, remains a big part of a comprehensive strategy to control COVID-19.
- On an individual level, an accurate and prompt diagnosis can promote appropriate treatment and help protect close contacts. On a societal level, testing is the most accurate way to determine how much coronavirus is circulating in a given community, to adjust response requirements and to get resources to areas with an outbreak.
Q: Can FluroTest test for the variants?
- FluroTest also now confirms that its testing system will detect primary variants of concern from live viral samples circulating today. The variants detected include B.1.1.7 commonly referred to as the ‘U.K.’ or ‘Alpha’ variant, B.1.351 commonly referred to as the ‘South African’ or ‘Beta’ variant and P.1 and P.2 or ‘Brazilian’ or ‘Gamma’ variants. As others emerge, we will investigate when possible to do so.
Q: When will FluroTest be in market?
- FluroTest is presently engaged in clinical trials with Toolbox Medical Innovations to coordinate the locations and logistics of our clinical trial and we look forward to updating the market shortly on progression of those efforts. We remain on track and will be submitting for Emergency Use Authorization (“EUA”) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and from Health Canada for an Interim Order Authorization. Additionally, we are continuing to build partnerships and have direct discussions across industry and government to ensure our sales pipeline is robust.
Q: Who are your customers going to be?
- This has not changed. While there are pockets of the world that have fully opened up, the vast majority of high traffic high risk pandemic environments still operate with limited capacity. These include athletic stadiums and performance venues, airline and cruise ship terminals, corporate campuses, manufacturing facilities, schools and colleges, hospitals and large healthcare facilities, transportation and distribution hubs and other large businesses.