EQL distributes Europe's first CE marked SARS-CoV-2 self-test
EQL Pharma AB will soon begin deliveries of Europe's first EC-certified and CE-marked SARS-CoV-2 self-test intended for detection of Covid-19 infection. In Sweden, there are previously two non-CE marked antigen-based self-tests that have been granted a temporary exemption by the Medical Products Agency. The self-test will be available in selected pharmacy chains during the second half of May.
“We are happy and proud to be able to launch this self-test with our partners to Swedish consumers, households and workplaces. Our self-tests are of a high quality with a sensitivity, ie sensitivity to detect viruses, of 96.2% and a specificity, ie correct identification of the virus, of 99.2%. The test answer is normally obtained after a few minutes up to a maximum of 15-20 minutes, ”says EQL Pharma's CEO, Christer Fåhraeus.
An advantage of a self-test is that it can be used for screening in, for example, workplaces and other institutions, where there are many physically present people, without the requirement for the presence of health care personnel or a load of laboratory resources. If the self-test shows SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is recommended to then do a so-called PCR test, performed by healthcare professionals, to ensure infection. The Swedish Public Health Agency has recently (April 19) provided guidance on antigen tests and self-tests for Covid-19, which can be read on their website.
For further information, please contact:
Christer Fåhraeus
CEO, EQL Pharma AB (publ)
Phone: +46 (0) 705 – 60 90 00
E-mail: christer.fahraeus@eqlpharma.com
Website: www.eqlpharma.com
EQL Pharma AB (publ) in short
EQL Pharma AB specializes in developing and selling generics, i.e. medicines that are medically equivalent to originator medicines. The company currently has 17 niche generics (i.e. generics with little or no competition apart from the originator drug) approved in the Nordic markets. In addition to these, there exist a significant pipeline of additional niche generics for launch in 2021 and beyond. The business is currently entirely focused on prescription drugs. EQL Pharma AB conducts its operations in Lund, employs 10 people and is listed on the Spotlight Stock Market. EQL Pharma AB conducts extensive development work in collaboration with leading contract manufacturers and major pharmaceutical companies in the EU, India and China, among others.