NEW YORK ─ Randox Laboratories said on Tuesday that it is scaling up biochip manufacturing for rapid diagnostic tests, including SARS-CoV-2 tests, by selecting Scienion as its technology provider and science partner as part of a multiyear strategic alliance.
The firms anticipate that the expanded collaboration will enable the deployment of “rapid diagnostic testing technology to the frontline for widespread use in all affected regions during a pandemic such as SARS-CoV-2,” Andrew Sweet, managing director of Scienion, said in a statement.
Financial and other terms of the collaboration were not disclosed.
To enable Crumlin, Northern Ireland-based Randox to scale-up biochip manufacturing, the engineering team at Berlin-based Scienion has developed a custom-made solution for its S100 in-line system and will integrate precision dispensing technology, the firms said.
Scienion S100 manufacturing technology will enhance Randox’s capabilities from research through commercialization and help accelerate the discovery and development of diagnostics, the firms added.
The companies will engage in joint activities at Randox facilities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and at Scienion’s headquarters in Berlin. The investment will include project funding, subject-matter experts, technology, and tools.
In a separate announcement on Monday, Randox said it has received the CE-IVD mark for quality controls used with its Torch test to screen newborn babies for infectious diseases.