COVID-19 rapid test BELTEST-IT

for antigensSARS-COV-2nasopharyngeal

At the beginning of March, Pharmact launched its highly sensitive rapid antibody test BELTEST-IT COV-2. The MedTech company, which specializes in qualitative point-of-care rapid in vitro diagnostic tests, has been working for several months on the development of a new antigen test BELMONITOR COV-2: “This easy-to-use mouthwash shows potentially infected persons within minutes whether they have been infected with the SARS-COV-2 virus,” explains Dr. Gunther Burgard, Medical Director of Pharmact, emphasizing: “This enables us to interrupt infection chains even faster, more reliably and more easily and to effectively contain the dynamics of the virus. The test has further advantages. Due to the uncomplicated handling, anyone can perform this simple, cost-effective test. Laboratory technology, trained personnel or strict protective measures are unnecessary. “We will work closely with regulatory authorities to obtain proper authorization to be able to offer BELMONITOR COV-2 as a home test. With this, we want to give citizens the possibility to take their own healthcare into their own hands because COVID-19 will accompany us in our everyday life for a long time,” adds Eric Schaber, CEO of Pharmact. Pending regulatory authorization, the company plans to launch the test in October 2020. The most common entry point for an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus is the mouth-throat-nasal cavity. Immediately after entry, the virus load in these areas increases continuously. Before the first clinical symptoms appear, the virus concentration is already so high that simple gargling combined with a nasal swab test is sufficient to obtain sufficient viral material.