NEW YORK – Molecular diagnostics test system developer Alveo Technologies announced Thursday that it is working with Global Virus Network and academic researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health on an academic partnership program.
The program will focus on research-use-only assay development as well as the commercialization of tests in countries with unmet diagnostics needs.
"The world desperately needs accessible molecular tests for pathogens that afflict developing countries," said Sten Vermund, president of the GVN. "This partnership will enable accessible 'in-region, for-region' test development, manufacturing, and deployment for devastating, yet neglected infectious diseases," Vermund added, noting that this may help combat future infectious disease pandemics.
The GVN and its more than 80 scientific sites, which include Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, will help countries develop tests on Alameda, California-based Alveo's open platform.
The program will equip institutions and developing countries with Alveo's rugged cartridge-based point-of-care platform, called Be.well, which performs PCR testing and direct electrical sensing of nucleic acid amplification in 30 to 45 minutes.
Alveo and GVN have also created a Partner Development Kit that enables GVN members to independently develop tests on Alveo's Be.well platform.
Alveo received CE marking for a Be.well COVID-19 test in 2021 and subsequently inked 19 distribution deals.