Sekisui Diagnostics formalized an exclusive distribution agreement with Aptitude Medical Systems, a developer of decentralized molecular diagnostics, to sell the Aptitude Metrix COVID Test in the U.S. 

The Metrix test is an EUA approved molecular test that can be used with both swab and saliva samples and can performed by healthcare professionals or at home by consumers. The Metrix COVID-19 Test is a single-use molecular in vitro diagnostic test for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV­-2 using anterior nasal swab and saliva samples.

“The unique features of this test are what make this addition to our portfolio so exciting. It pairs a molecular test with a small, low-cost reader which provides highly accurate results in an affordable and simple to use format which can fit in the palm of your hand. This aligns with efforts to expand into the molecular testing market and the company’s long term strategic vision,” says Lee Lipski, Sr. VP, of strategy & business management of Sekisui Diagnostics.

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Sekisui Diagnostics is a provider of many rapid diagnostic solutions to the professional and home testing markets through a portfolio of tests under the OSOM and Acucy brands. They also supply tests through the HHS/ASPR program which delivers tests for free to households across the country.

“Aptitude built Metrix from the ground up so anyone can harness the power of lab-quality molecular testing – without the lab,” says Scott Ferguson, PhD, CEO and co-founder of Aptitude. “Metrix is the result of over a decade of R&D to disrupt access and cost barriers for molecular testing without compromising performance. We’re already delivering on this promise to consumers, and we’re excited to partner with SEKISUI Diagnostics to amplify our reach to healthcare professionals, enabling molecular testing anywhere and everywhere.”

This new agreement includes access to a second assay in Aptitude’s pipeline which is currently in clinical trials. 

“Our investment and partnership with Aptitude will drive manufacturing, scale-up and portfolio expansion which supports our mission to provide intelligent solutions to the healthcare market and more specifically, to bring molecular testing into the home,” says Bob Schruender, president and CEO of Sekisui Diagnostics.

Featured image: Metrix COVID-19 Test. Photo: Sekisui Diagnostics