Gene Bio Medical (GBM) has unveiled its SwiftSwab Antigen Test Kit, which was created to help contain the transmission of new COVID variants.
The SwiftSwab Antigen Test Kit is used for the detection of COVID-19 variants and to address the long-term impacts of Long COVID, which continue to affect individuals even after recovery from the acute phase of the illness, the company says. The SwiftSwab Antigen Test Kit has showcased an ability to detect more than 40 distinct COVID-19 variants, including seven highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 strains.
Health Canada’s recognition of SwiftSwab underscores its safety and effectiveness, according to GBM. The product’s availability in independent pharmacies across Canada is aimed at ensuring that it reaches a wide audience, bolstering the country’s response to COVID.
The ongoing challenge posed by the Omicron variant, along with its sub-variants such as EG.5 and BA.2.86, demands unwavering attention on a global scale, the company says. The EG.5 variant, akin to XBB variants, carries a mutation that can resist some acquired immunity and exhibits a rapid growth advantage, establishing its dominance in many regions. The prevalence of EG.5 in the United States is predicted to rise significantly.
Further reading: NIH Study Informs Antigen Testing for COVID
In a world where over 30,000 COVID-19 Antigen mutant strains have been reported, Gene Bio Medical says it seeks to underscore the importance of constant monitoring and research into these strains. Specific mutations in the Spike protein’s receptor-binding domain (RBD) could potentially enhance the virus’s transmissibility and virulence.
A recent study conducted by the Belgium Department of Laboratory Medicine and Department of Pharmacy has highlighted GBM’s SwiftSwab Antigen Self Test as a standout product in detecting both Omicron and Delta variants, according to the company. The test has demonstrated superior performance compared to other widely used COVID-19 Antigen detection reagents.
