Madeleine Johnson

Columbia University researchers have adapted a capture-based targeted sequencing method for viral genomes to detect bacteria in clinical samples. 

The so-called enVision HPV test performed well in a comparison to Roche's Cobas HPV assay, and the Singapore researchers are considering other test applications.

The technology works directly from clinical samples and can potentially be multiplexed to detect tens of targets, according to the firm.

The firm has been placing point-of-care systems primarily in the private sector, but may have increased access once it completes WHO prequalification review.