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United Global Alliance to Distribute Acumen Research Labs Coronavirus Test Kit

NEW YORK – International venture group United Global Alliance announced on Tuesday that it has signed a partnership deal with Singapore-based Acumen Research Laboratories to distribute Acumen's Acu-Corona 2.0 test kit, and to supply the test to international governments and healthcare organizations.

The Acu-Corona 2.0 is an open platform, in vitro qualitative diagnostic assay based on real-time reverse transcription PCR that detects SARS-Cov-2 RNA in patient samples. The testing method received a Provisional Authorization from Singapore's Health Sciences Authority, and Acumen also intends to seek approval from the US Food and Drug Authorization, United said.

Acu-Corona 2.0 consists of two kits, one containing an RT-PCR enzyme and nuclease-free water, and another one containing some array plates with printed and dried RT-PCR primers, dual-labeled hydrolysis probes, and plate seals. It's designed for high-throughput testing, reduced manual steps, and cold-chain logistics.

"The COVID-19 pandemic needs to be countered by effective testing to help in the medical efforts of diagnosis and treatment as well in implementing containment measures of contact tracing in the community and quarantine, where needed," Acumen Founder and Chief Scientist Siew Hwa Ong said in a statement.

United's main goal is to help create high-growth economies in Africa. The group said it uses a consortium approach to fund, build, and scale ventures that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals such as poverty eradication, good health, clean energy, and industry. 

Financial and other terms of the distribution deal were not disclosed.

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