Slovakian researchers have developed the diagnostic test based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the cause of COVID-19. The ESET foundation supported its development and will finance the first 100,000 units
Specialists from the Slovak companies MultiplexDX, Lambda Life and ProScience Tech together with virologists from the Biomedical Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (BMC SAV) have developed a reagent kit for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in line with the protocols of the World Health Organization (WHO). The initial phase involves the production and distribution of 100 thousand tests. The ESET Foundation, in support of the development of the kit, will finance the first tests, which will be donated to the Slovak Republic.
The key components were supplied by MultiplexDX, a company that develops and produces various innovative reagents for molecular diagnostics. The Slovakian PCR test is currently awaiting approval from a dedicated team of scientists at BMC SAV.
From an initial analysis, the tests reveal good reliability and response compared to the diagnostics currently used. "This means that our test is reliable and accurate and can be of great help already at the initial stage of diagnosis. We will be able to complete the first 100 thousand PCR tests within two weeks" explained Pavol Čekan, founder of MultiplexDX.
“We are working closely with the non-profit organization CCCT SK regarding the approval and registration procedures, a phase that will take an estimated three weeks,” said Adam Andráško of ProScience Tech.
“The detection of the virus consists of the collection of samples, the isolation of RNA and PCR diagnostics, a phase in which we are directly involved” comments Ivan Juráš of Lambda Life.
“I am sure that the efforts made by our researchers will be crowned with success and that we will have sufficient PCR tests for the detection of the coronavirus. This will not only help our country by providing the necessary tests, but will also create a reserve in case there is a shortage of tests globally,” noted Robert Mistrík of the permanent crisis unit.
ESET Foundation supported the development of the test, providing funding from its Fund for the first 100 thousand units to support the diagnosis and prevention of the COVID-19 emergency, tests which are donated to Slovakian state institutions. "When we created the Fund we did so to ensure effective diagnostics on a large scale, which we believe can only be achieved through scientific cooperation. A critical situation like the one we face today confirms the importance of supporting science in Slovakia, to which ESET Foundation has been dedicated for some time" concludes Richard Marko, CEO of ESET.
The tests that will be produced, including the first 100 thousand kits, will be made available mainly for diagnostic laboratories on the Slovakian market. "We are ready to cooperate with state laboratories by responding flexibly and efficiently to their specific needs. Once the internal requests of the country have been satisfied, we will be able to extend our offer to other nations that may need our drugs" explained the creators of the test.
