COVID-19 Hero: Driven by Relentless Commitment, bioMérieux Actively Fights the Pandemic with Diagnostic Solutions

As a global leader of in vitro diagnostics and infectious disease management, bioMérieux has always been driven by a groundbreaking and relentless commitment to improve public health, worldwide. Being a key player in the field of diagnosis of infectious diseases for more than 55 years, it was the logical next step for bioMérieux to begin the development of diagnostic tests for the detection of the COVID-19 disease.

What we are experiencing in the global health crisis underlines the crucial role diagnostics play in the healthcare landscape. Lab tests are essential for suitable patient care, as they provide the healthcare worker with crucial information to adapt their strategies and response, on a patient by patient basis. bioMérieux’s strategy to combat COVID-19 is centered around the completion of two diagnostic solutions, and a third test under development: 

• ARGENE® SARS-CoV-2 R-GENE ®: This test relies on the real-time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a method widely used in molecular biology, to rapidly make copies of a specific DNA in masses. This also allows many patients to be tested simultaneously and provides the results in four to five hours.

• BIOFIRE® COVID-19 Test: Developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Defense, this second test detects SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 disease, in approximately 45 minutes from a nasal swab. This fully automated test is suitable for emergency situations, for patients in critical health.

• BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® Respiratory Panel 2.1: Currently in development is an expanded version of bioMérieux’s molecular biology syndromic panel, which will include the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus, in addition to the 21 other common respiratory pathogens. This test will deliver results in approximately 45 minutes, and is expected to be available under FDA EUA during the summer months.

In a recent press release, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mark Miller of bioMérieux, noted, “true to our commitment to public health we are making every effort to provide a comprehensive diagnostic approach that meets the highest performance and quality standards to help physicians mount an effective response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

PTC is proud to be working with bioMérieux, and would like to extend a sincere thank you for the continued work that is being done in the fight to defy COVID-19.

Have a COVID-19 Hero you would like to nominate? Please reach out to Alexa Rice with details.