US government awards $232m contract for COVID-19 home test

AnteoTech’s long-term customer Ellume, producer of next-generation digitally enabled diagnostic solutions, has secured a $231.8 million agreement with the U.S. Government to support accelerated manufacture of its COVID-19 home test. 

The test makes use of AnteoTech’s AnteoBind technology to support improved sensitivity and has been authorised by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use without a prescription. 

With the help of AnteoTech’s AnteoBind technology, the Ellume COVID-19 Home Test provides results in 15 minutes or less, detecting SARS-CoV-2 in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Ellume’s offering is the first test which utilises AnteoBind to receive FDA Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA).

Derek Thomson, chief executive officer of AnteoTech, said: "With the Ellume test receiving FDA authorisation and subsequent significant financial backing from the U.S. Government, this is further evidence of the immense value the AnteoBind technology continues to bring to the life sciences industry for life-changing solutions. The capabilities of high-sensitivity diagnostics, such as Ellume’s COVID-19 home test, will ultimately enable rapid and reliable screening to minimise community spread, relieve burden on healthcare systems and facilitate the reopening of economies.”

AnteoBind is a nano-sized molecular glue used to facilitate simpler, faster and more reliable bioconjugation. The improved conjugation process aims to increase the performance for diagnostic assays, and enables superior quality control, candidate screening and efficacy-measurement processes in biopharmaceutical and vaccine development. 

Dr. Sean Parsons, chief executive officer of Ellume, said: “Our recent Emergency Use Authorisation was a key milestone in our mission to make a significant contribution to global health. AnteoTech’s AnteoBind has greatly assisted us in the development of a highly sensitive test that is vital for an effective COVID-19 mitigation strategy. We look forward to our continued partnership with AnteoTech as we deliver accurate diagnostic solutions to the market.”