NEW YORK – Enzo Biochem and Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network (CPESN NY), the New York division of the nationwide organization of pharmacy networks, said on Tuesday that they are partnering to provide COVID-19 testing at 52 of the network's 155 pharmacies across New York State.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Enzo is providing SARS-CoV-2 testing for many schools and other institutions through its School and Institution Testing (SIT) Program, and to New York-based nursing homes through a collaboration with the State of New York. Through this program, Enzo will provide its Ampiprobe SARS-CoV-2 swab molecular test, which recently received Emergency Use Authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration. The company will also provide the full range of services to support testing, including reagent manufacturing capabilities, proprietary diagnostic instruments, and clinical laboratory services.
The Ampiprobe SARS-CoV-2 Test System is a multiplexed RT-PCR assay designed to target two regions in the nucleocapsid (N) gene of the virus in upper respiratory specimens. It uses magnetic-particle technology for nucleic acid isolation and purification, and it runs on Thermo Fisher Scientific's Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 5 instrument, Enzo said.
New York State residents will have access to testing at participating independent pharmacies beginning immediately. Results from the swab test should be provided within two to three days from sample collection. Patients will also have access to guidance and information from the independent pharmacies participating in the program, the partners said.
"This program aligns with our goal to promote the strong relationship between independent pharmacies and patients in their communities by addressing needs related to COVID-19 testing, one of the most important health challenges in a generation," CPESN Facilitator Chris Daly said in a statement. "This program will bring easy access to testing to more New Yorkers through a health resource that they know and trust, with the ability to provide faster turnaround times and results."
Enzo signed a deal with Farmingdale State College earlier this month to provide molecular and antibody testing for COVID-19 to the campus community under its SIT Program. Testing will be conducted using the AmpiProbe SARS-CoV-2 test and serological antibody (IgG) blood test.